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HISTORY
1' :
IS TOWN OF riTTSFIELDji
BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASS.
WITH A MAP OK T H K C (> i; N T V
By Rev. DAVID D. FIELD.
FORMKRLY PASTOR OF THE C0N(;RF,(; ATION AT, nitTTRCH IN STOCK )!RIll(iK.
HARTFORD.
PRKSS OF CASE, TIFFANY AND P.UrxNIlAM, Pearl street, corner of Trumbull. 1S14.
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BOOK 974.4 1.F454H c. 1 FIELD # HISTORY OF TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
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HISTORY
TOWN OF PITTSFIELD,
BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASS.
WITH A MAP OF THE COUNTY.
By Rev. DAVID D. FIELD.
FORMERLY PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN STOCKBRIDGE.
HARTFORD.
PRESS OF CASE, TIFFANY AND BURNIIAM, Pearl street, comer of TrumbuH. 1844.
-an
The substance of the following history was published in a series of num- bers in the Pittsfield Sun, from July, 1834, to March, 1835. These have been wrought into one continuous narrative, and the history is brought down to the present time.
The Map is the same that accompanied the History of the County of Berk- shire, in 1S29, in which the writer was concerned as Committee of the Berk- shire Association.
HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD.
Measures )3cg-an to be taken, as early as the close of 1734, which, after various delays and embarrassments, re- sulted in the settlement of this charming township. In December of that year, the General Court of Massachu- setts gave leave to Col. John Stoddard, of Northampton, to lay out for himself, his heirs and assigns forever, " one thousand acres of the unappropriated lands of the Province, in the county of Hampshire," then including the four pres- ent western counties in the commonwealth, "in some con- venient place, in consideration of his great services and suf- ferings in and for the public.^^ These services and suffer- ings are spoken of in the Act of the Legislature as consist- ing '* m divers journeys to Canada, Albany and the eastern parts, upon the public affairs ; his serving in the war with good success, [the war proclaimed by Massachusetts against the eastern Indians,] his transactions ivilh the Canada In- dians and other western Indians^ and his entertaining of them at his house without any expense to the Province. ^^ Col. Stoddard was a son of the Rev. Solomon Stoddard, of North- ampton, and one of the best and ablest men of his time.
He wisely laid out the thousand acres on the eastern branch of the Housatonic in this town. He also purchased, at great expense, several grants and leases from the natives, (the Housatonic or Stockbridge Indians,) of the rest of the lands in this place ; with the intention, doubtless, of prepa- ring the way for a settlement. ^ In June, 1735, the General Court granted to the town of - Boston " three tracts of land, each of the contents of six
miles square, to be laid out in some suitable place or places in tbe unappropriated lands of the commonwealth." This was done in answer to a petition of that town, "setting forth the great charge they were at, for the support of their poor, and their free schools, and that they paid near a fifth part of the Province tax." They were to be laid out, and plans thereof returned to the Court for confirmation, within twelve months. The town of Boston was also, " within five years from the confirmation of the said plans, to settle on each of the said towns, sixty families of his Majesty's good subjects, inhabitants of the Province, in as regular and de- fensible a manner as the lands would admit of, each of said sixty families to build and finish a dwelling house in his home lot, of the following dimensions, viz. : eighteen feet square and seven feet stud, at the least : each of the said settlers, within said term, was to bring to, and fit for improvement, five acres of said home lot, either hy plowing, or for mowing, by stocking the same well with English grass, and fence the same well in, and actually live on the spot : they were fur- ther to build and finish a suitable and convenient house for the public worship of God, and settle a learned orthodox min- ister in each of the said towns, and provide for their honora- ble and comfortable support,and also lay out three house lots in each of the said towns, each of which to draw a sixty third part of said town in all future divisions, one to be for the first settled minister, one for the ministry, and one for the school."
The three townships, laid out in conformity with this grant, v/ere Colerain, (called then, No. 1,) Charlemont, (called No. 2,) and Pittsfield, notwithstanding the 1000 acres in it given to Col. Stoddard, and the purchases of grants, and leases which lie had made from the Indians.
The selectmen of Boston, by lawful authority from the inhabitants, March 13, 1737, sold Pittsfield, or rather their right to it, to Col. Jacob Wendell, of Boston, for ^£1320.
In the month of September, in the following year. Col. Wendell extinguished a claim which Masinamake, alias Solomon, one of the Makehande Indians, made to the lands in Pittsfield, and to lands now included in some adjoining
places, for the sum of ^£120. Wlieflier liis claim was good or not, after the purchase of grants and leases by Col. Stod- dard, it is gratifying to know that there was no disposition on the part of Col. Wendell to wrong the natives, and that the lands here, and in the vicinity, were fairly and honora- bly obtained. The natives were treated justly and kindly in Berkshire; and it is due to the memory of the Housaton- ic Indians, (whose descendants have gone towards the set- ting sun,) to say, that by their general friendship and exer- tions, they contributed much to the safety of our fathers.
This claim being extinguished, in December, 1738, a plat of the township was presented to the General Court. Although this was not performed as soon as the act grant- ing these townships conditionally to Boston contemplated, yet the plat " was accepted and allowed, and the lands therein delineated and described were confirmed to the town of Boston and their assigns forever, (exclusive of the 1000 acres grant made to the Hon. John Stoddard, Esq.) and was declared to be in full satisfaction of one of the three town- ships granted to the town of Boston, provided the said town or their assigns should effectually comply with and fulfil the conditions of the grant, and that the plat exceed not the quantity of 24,040 acres of land, and interfere not with an)'^ other or former grant."
la the above plat, with a view of preparing the way for meeting some of the conditions of the grant, sixty settling lots containing 100 acres each were laid out in three adjoining tiers, running from west to east, in near the centre of the townsliip, togetlier with three lots of the same size for public uses. The middle tier, containing twenty-seven lots, ran en- tirelythrough the townsliip. It fronted north on the principal western and eastern road, so far as that pursued a straight course. The upper tier, beginning on the west, contained nineteen lots — and the lower, beginning on the east, seven- teen. The public lots embraced a large portion of the grounds now within the village of Pittsfield. The situation of the lot designed for the first minister, and subsequently given to the Rev. Thomas Allen, is well known. The lot for the support
of the ministry forever lay opposite, on the west side of the north road, and was many years afterwards sold to Col. John Brown and Dr. Timothy Childs. The school lot lay in the middle tic'r, a little to the southeast of the Allen lot.
For the amicable settlement of their mutual claims and interests in the township, Col. Wendell entered into the fol- lowing- agreement with Col. Stoddard, May 29, 1741 : — " In consideration of two third parts of the thousand acres," (which have been repeatedly mentioned,) "and all the right, title, interest and claim which Col. Stoddard had by means of his grants and leases from the natives, or by any other ways or means w4iatsocvcr, of and in two thirds of the rest" of the township, Col. Wendell conveyed to him his other third part of the township " upon the conditions and limita- tions whereon the same was granted to the town of Boston."
By this agreement, the settling lots were fairly brought into market in the summer of 1741. But by this time, there was a strong presumption that France would take part with Spain in the existing w^ar w^itli Great Britain, that the con- troversy would involve the North American Colonies, and that Pittsfield, (if families located themselves in it,) would be exposed to the dangers of a frontier settlement. This presumption was realized in the early part of 1744. The consequence was, that the settlement of the town was de- layed until some time after that war was closed. The Rev. Mr. Allen indeed, the first minister of the town, who had the best means of knowing its history, affirms, " that the first inhabitants came into the town in 1745." By this, however, he probably means no more than that some of those who afterwards became settlers, this year visited the town and purchased lots ; for the writer of this has not been able to find any evidence that clearings were made previous to the summer of 1749. In that year, Nathaniel Fairfield and Timothy Cadwell labored on some lands in the east or southeast part of the township, as David Ashley did, and it is understood Samuel Taylor did in the west part. Others may have labored in the town that year, or in subsecpient years ; but no settlement was made until 1752.
ACTUAL SETTLEMENT.
Early in this year, Solomon Deming- moved his family into the east part of the town, and settled where George Butler now lives. Mrs. Deming was the first white female that came into the town ; and was often left alone through the night by the necessary absence of her husband, when there was not another wiiite inhabitant in the town, and the wilderness was filled with Indians. This year Charles Goodrich settled near where Hosea Merrill Jun. now lives. He drove the first team and cart into the town, cutting his way for a number of miles througli the woods. Nathaniel Fairfield also this year settled on the road running east from the house of the late Deacon Daniel Crofoot, and Zebadiah Stiles, on a rise of ground west of the dwelling of the late Dr. Childs. It is understood that Abner and Isaac Dewey, Jacob Ensign, Hezekiah Jones, Samuel Taylor, Elias Wil- lard, and Dea. Josiah Wright, became settlers this year, and that Stephen and Simeon Crofoot, David Bush, and Col. William Williams, became settlers the year following. In the latter year, Solomon Deming, Charles Goodrich, and others, were incorporated by the name of " the Proprietors of the settling lots in the township of Pontoosuck," the Indian name by which Pittsfield was then called — signify- ing a run for deer. This was hunting ground for the Hou- satonic Indians. Their first public meeting under the incorporation was held in September, at which measures were adopted for carrying forward the plantation. A similar meeting w^as held in August, 1754, during which year, Eli Root Esq., Ephraim Stiles, William Wright, and perhaps others, became inhabitants. This year hostilities commen- ced between France and England, in w^hat is commonly called " the second French war," though it was not formally proclaimed until two years afterwards. In the summer of 1755, some Indians invaded this County, which so alarmed the people, that the inhabitants of Pittsfield and Lenox fled to Stockbridge for protection. On their way a man by the
8
name of Stearns, belonging to Canaan, Ct. who had been laboring in Pittsfield, and who had behind him on horseback a young woman, daughter of Sylvanus Piercey, of this town, was shot dead by the enemy, while the young woman es- caped unhurt. Some of the inhabitants returned to Pittsfield the following spring, and dwelt in four fortified houses, erected about this time, or so near to them that they could resort to them in case of danger. Perhaps in that year, or within one oi two succeeding years, all returned. Benja- min Keeler is said to have joined them in 1757, and Dan Cadwell in 1758. One of the fortified houses stood where Levi Goodrich now lives, and was then occupied by Col. Williams. Another was the house of Charles Goodrich, near Mr. Merrill's, above mentioned. A third stood on the land now owned by William Fairfield ; and the fourth, " about fifty rods south of the west pond, on an eminence that overlooks all that part of the town."
Soldiers were stationed in the town by order of the gov- ernment. But the people were so few or so discouraged, that they held no meetings for advancing the settlement, if we may judge from the silence of the town records, until Sept. 1758. At this time there were about twenty log huts in the town, (whether occupied or not I cannot say) and from this place north, unless there were some clearings about Massa- chusetts Fort, in East Hoosic, now Adams, all was a wilder- ness to Canada, eastward or south-eastward to Westfield, and westward to Kinderhook. In 1759 the war was consid- ered as substantially closed in the colonies by the success of the British arms in Canada, and the prospects of this town began to brighten, though peace was not actually ratified between the French and English until 1763.
The following persons are understood from circumstances to have moved into the town this year, namely : Samuel Birchard, Daniel Hubbard, Daniel and Jesse Sacket, and Jonathan Taylor. I say are understood from circumstances to have moved in this year ; for there is no inconsiderable difficulty in finding exactly at this time, at what period the early settlers planted themselves here.
Ill September of this year, (1759) Jacob Wendell and others, in their own names, or by their representatives, l)e- soii<^ht the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth, for a committee to make division of all the lands in the township to them, with the exception of the settling- and public lots, according (o their respective rights. The petition was granted, and a committee appointed, consisting of John Ashley, Esq,, Capt. Ebenezer Hitchcock, Natlianiel Dwiglit (the Surveyor,) John Chadwick, and Lieut. Daniel Biown. The lands were surveyed the same autumn, and laid out in squares, containing generally from 230 to 290 acres. These were put into three classes, according to their quality, and assigned to the proprietors in 1760. At this time Col. Wendell owned about one quarter of the township, the heirs of Col. Stoddard nearly as much, Moses Green and Charles Goodrich owned about 1000 acres each. A few others owned smaller quantities. This year David and Oliver Ashey, William Francis, and Gideon Gunn, are understood to have become settlers. Joshua Robbins and Ezekiel Root became inhabitants before the incorporation of the town, which took place early in 1761, and was named Pittsfield, in honor of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. This distin- guished statesman and orator having been introduced into the British ministry, had imparted new vigor to the British arms against the French, in America, and had become very popular in the colonies. During the year last mentioned, Gideon Goodrich, James Lord, Charles Miller, Thomas Morgan, Daniel and David Noble, William Phelps, and John Remington, are understood to have become inhab- itants.
In 1762, 3, and 4, the following persons are understood to have settled here, namely : Phinehas Belden, Solomon Crosby, Israel Dickinson, Elisha Jones, Jno. Morse, David Roberts, Aaron Stiles, Israel Stoddard, John and Caleb Wadhams, Aaron and Phinehas Baker, William Brattle, Col. James Easton, Benjamin and Josiah Goodrich, Moses Miller, Joseph Phelps, Amos Root, John Williams, Rev.
Thomas Allen, Jas. D. Colt, Ezra and King Strong. Dr.
2
10
Colton, Rufus Allen, John Strong-, and a number of others, prohahly became inhabitants during these years. Not long after, Joseph Allen, David Bagg, Lieut. Moses Graves, Woodbridge Little, Esq., Col. Oliver Root, Ebenezcr White, and many others, settled in town.
Most of the inhabitants who have been mentioned, settled on the house lots, some on the squares. On the road running west from the centre were Zebediah and Ephraim Stiles, Ezia Strong, Charles Miller, David Roberts, David Ashley, Amos and Oliver Root, and others by the name of Wright, Rol;bins, Belden, Hubbard, Francis and Wadhams ; east were Rev. Mr. Allen, John Strong, Dr. Colton, the Crofoots, and Jaco]) Ensign ; and further on to the northeast Josiah and Charles Goodrich, Israel Stoddard, Israel Dick- inson, and Col. William Williams ; south were Col. Easton, Sylvanus Pierscy, Ezekiel Root, Daniel Miller, (where Mr. William Hollister now lives) James Lord and Elisha Jones. Rufus Allen kept a public house on the corner now occupied by William B. Cooley, and further north towards Lanesboro', were Josepli Allen, and the families by the name of Baker and Keeler. On the road eastward of Daniel Weller's, or near it, were the Fairfields, David Bush, Eli Root, Esc^., Hezekiah Jones, William Brattle, and Solomon Doming. Col. Williams early moved on to this road from the spot where Levi Goodiich now lives, and where Lieut. Graves settled after him. Charles Goodrich, Esq. left the farm on which he first lived, and settled near him.
A large portion of the early settlers were from Westfield, all by the name of Ashley, Bagg, Bush, Cad- well, Dewey, Francis, Hubbard, Noble, Piersey, Sackett, Stiles, Taylor and Weller. Hezekiah Jones was also from this town. Those of the name of Brattle, Deming, Goodrich, Gunn, Lord, Robbins and Wiliard, were from Wethersfield, Ct. The Aliens, Bakers, Fairfields, Phelpses, Stoddards, Strongs and Wrights, were from Northampton ; and the Crofoots from Belchertown. Col. Williams and Elisha Jones were from Weston ; Lieut. Graves and Israel Dick- inson were from Hatfield. Thomas Morgan w^as from
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Springfield, nnd John Remington from West Springfield, Ebenczer White was from Hadley. David Roberts was from Hartford, and Jacob Ensign from West Hartford, Ct. Col. Easton was immediately from Litchfield, previonsly from Hartford. Joseph Kcelcr was from Ridgefield, Wood- bridge Little, Esq. from Lebanon, and James D. Colt from Lyme in the same State.
Valentine Rathbim, from Stonington, Ct, settled in this town about 1770. Dr. Timothy Childs, from Deerfield, in 1771, and Stephen Fowler and Josiah Moscly, from West- field, about 1772. Col. John Brown, from Sandisfield, settled here in 1773. In 1775, Gad Merrill, from Hebron, Ct. settled to the north of the east branch of the Housatonic, near Dalton line ; and in the spring of 1780, William and John Partridge settled a little west of him.
Besides these inhabitants, a considerable number settled early in this town, as others did at later periods. But from those named, a large portion of the present inhabitants have descended, and many hundreds who have emigrated to other parts of the country. There were probably as many as sixty families here in 1761, when the town was incorpora- ted. Allowing six persons to a family, there must have been a population of 360 souls. In 1772, the number of families was 138, which contained 828 souls, according to the same principle of calculation. The population, accord- ing to the census in 1791, was 1992 souls; in 1800, 2261 ; in 1810, 2665 ; in 1820, 2768 ; in 1830, 3570 ; and in 1840, 4060, The population has very mnch increased since, and proliably amounts now to 4500,
The emigrations from this town have been very numer- ous, though most of the first and earlier settlers lived and died here. A few of these returned back to the places from whence they came, moved to neighboring towns, or went to other States, Of the second and third generations, many have helped to people parts of Vermont, New York, Ohio Michigan, and other places in the country. It would be interesting, were there facts on hand sufficient for doing it, to give the names of those who have emigrated, to state the
12
limes of their departure, and the towns where they settled. This can now be done only in a small number of instances, comparatively speaking. Sylvanus Piersey moved back to Westfield, and James Lord, to Wethersfield or Glastenbury, Ct. Jno. Morse moved first to Washington, and then to Pittsford, N. Y. Solomon Crosby moved to Genoa, in that State. Joseph Wright and sons early moved to Vermont ; some by the name of Dewey, moved first to Washington, and then to Vermont. About 1790, Dea. Joseph Clark, Phinehas Belden, Charles Miller and sons, and Solomon and Wait Martin, moved to Benson ; some, it is understood, by the name of Goodrich, to Pittsfield, in the same State. Others by the name of Ashley, Bliss and Stiles, moved to that State likew^ise. Thomas Morgan moved to the town of Salem, and Elder Rathbun, and John Remington, 2d, to Oneida Co. N. Y. The family of Joshua Narramore, and some by the name of Graves, Jones and Fowler, have moved to New York. Some by the name of Ashley have gone to Ohio, and by the name of Larned, to Michigan. Many others have probably gone to these as well as to other States and Territories.
OCCUPATION OF THE INHABITANTS.
The early settlers, as might be supposed, from their planting themselves down in different parts of the township, were very generally farmers. They were enterprising young men, who had been trained up to this employment in the favored towns from which they emigrated, then almost de- voted exclusively to agriculture. They purchased lots of sufficient extent to render them highly respectable as farm- ers, and to lay a foundation for the education and happiness of their families. They could hardly have made a better selection of land.
Though surrounded by mountains, and though points from Richmond and Washington mountains project into it short distances, this township is far more level than town- ships generally in Berkshire, and more generally capable of cultivation. It occupies the widest expansion of tbe
13
Housatonic valley in the county. There is little waste land : the alluvial land on the branches of the Housatonic corres- ponds in richness with that which is found elsewhere on this river, and is very productive. Some of it is enriched by the overflowing of the streams. The soil of the upland is gen- erally of a superior quality, consisting of loam with an inter- mixture of sand and gravel, and is adn})ted to all tliat varie- ty of crops cultivated in this section of country. Sand pre- vails most in the southern and eastern parts, and gravel in the northern and western : in the west, too, there is some hard-pan.
Tlie township is also remarkably well watered. The eastern branch of the Housatonic river, rising in mountain towns eastward, passing through Dalton, enters this town near its northeast corner, where it takes a southwesterly di- rection till it comes within about a half of a mile of the vil- lage of Pittsfield, where it turns southward.
The western branch rises in New Ashford and passes through Lanesborough and Lanesborough pond, which ex- tends into this town, and in which the stream is increased by subjacent springs. The outlet, here commonly called the Pontoosuc river, runs nearly south, passing the village about half a mile to the west, receiving on its way, a stream from the West Pond and Shaker Brook. About three fourths of a mile from the village, after the reception of the latter tributary, it runs eastward and unites with the eastern branch, whence the Housatonic flov/s onward into Lenox, augmented further before it enters t/^at town by a considerable brook rising in Washington.
The importance of these branches, with some of their tributaries, for mills and factories, will be noticed hereafter. Suffice it to say here, that these waters, with the connected factories, buildings and settlements greatly diversify and beautify the scenery. The town strikes the eye with pecu- liar pleasure, as it is entered from all the neighboring places.
Formerly wheat and rye were raised here in great abun- dance ; large quantities of which were carried to the mar- ket towns on the Hudson river. Merchants were in the
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habit of exchanging- beef, pork, butter and che.ese for goods in New York. Wheat is not now much cultivated ; flour being brought in from the West, and as to the other articles which are raised, and raised abundantly, a market is found for them at home. All the common crops cultivated in the county are cultivated in this place. The grounds and buil- dings, in most instances, bear marks of thrift and enjoyment, though it must be confessed that a few exhibit no small ap- pearance of neglect and decay. The Berkshire Agricultu- ral Society, whose annual meetings, cattle show and fair have been uniformly held here, drawing together a large assembly from this and neighboring towns, has contributed much to excite a spirit of inquiry, emulation and enterprise among many of the cultivators of the soil.
In 1790, there was no appearance of a village in the cen- tre ; nor were there any considerable clusters of dwellings along the streams. With the exception of a few mechan- ics, the most needful to a farming population, nearly every man throughout the township supported himself and fami- ly by the cultivation of the soil. The vast amount of water power was hardly thought of for any other purpose than the turning of a few mills of the most common description, un- til within a period comparatively recent, excepting some forges on the Pontoosuc and the outlet of the West Pond. Now this power is turned to great account, and may be to greater hereafter. Hundreds of mechanics dwell here, and it is practically shown that farmers and mechanics may greatly contribute to each other's prosperity and happiness.
WATER-PRIVILEGES USED, ABANDONED, UNOCCUPIED; MILLS, PAST AND PRESENT ; FACTORIES.
The eastern branch of the Housatonic affords important water privileges before it enters this town, in Dalton and Hinsdale, on which several factories are already erected. On this, soon after it enters the town, a saw-mill was built about 1777, which has been kept up until the present time, and saws a great amount of lumber. On this, as it approach-
15
es the village, Root's Factory was built in 1809 or '10. It was first used in the manufacture of woolen and then of cotton, but has ceased to be. Tlie great difficulty about it was, that the water fall could not be made more than four feet, without injuring- the important meadows back. It was believed by some, that machinery might have been turned without injury, by the inlroduction of a water-wheel of the right construction.
Immediately upon the settlement of the town, Dea. Ste- phen Crofoot contemplated the erection of a grist-mill and a saw-mill on this stream, near where " White's Mills" re- cently were. The privilege lay within the limits of the school lot. Accordingly, at the first meeting of the propri- etors, after their incorporation, in Sept. 1753, a part of the business was, " To choose some person or persons to make exchange of a part of the school-lot, for some part of Dea- Crofoot's lot, so as to accommodate his mills ; and to sec what the proprietors would give to Dea. Crofoot for setting up the mills." It was at this time, a great object with the proprietors to secure the erection of the mills, especially of the grist mill ; for there was no place where they could get their grain floured nearer than " Great Barrington Bridge," twenty miles distant, and for a great part of the way, through a wilderness. A small grist-mill, indeed, existed on Sepoos, or Barnum's brook, in Stockbridge ; but it was insufficient to do the grinding for that town. What agreement was entered into at first, the writer is not now able to state, nor how soon precisely the mills were built. Their erection may have been delayed by the jirospect and occurrence of the " Second French War." Eventually, however, the town granted to Dea. Crofoot the use of the mill privilege for a given number of 5^ears, and he placed himself under bonds to keep the grist-mill in a state of re- pair for the accommodation of the inhabitants. The mills were built, and in connection with them a fulling mill, be- longing to Jacob Ensign. In 1778, the term of the lease to Crofoot having expired, the town sold the " mill privi- lege" to Ebenezer White, in whose hands, and in those of
16
his son, Enoch White, the privilege remained until 1842, when it was purchased by Thomas F. Plunkett, the present owner of Pittsfield Cotton Mills, (so called) about forty rods below, that he might have the entire control of the water. The mills are removed, though the owner has permitted a saw-mill to be built on the site of the gristmill, on certain conditions, one of which is, that the mill shall be run only when and so far as it may be run without injury to his own establishment, he himself being judge. The Cotton Mills were erected in 1832. The factory is a large brick build- ing, eighty feet by forty, with a wheel-house attached. The average number of hands is seventy, who are employ- ed in making light sheetings, the only style of goods here manufactured. Three hundred and forty-six bales, or 164,- 500 pounds of cotton are annually used. They are ma- king sheetings this year, at the rate of 630,000 yards, hav- ing more and some improved machinery.
The west branch of the Hoiisatonic, or Pontoosuc river, as it is more commonly named, after it passes from the North or Lanesborough Pond, to its junction with the east branch, a distance of three or four miles, is a very important mill stream. The North Pond itself, Shoonkemoonkeek in the Indian language, (Shoonkemoonke, as the English pro- nounce it,) covering an area of 1400 acres, and in some places of great depth, is a vast reservoir of water, and being supplied by subjacent springs, as well as by the streams which flow into it from New Ashford and Lanesborough, af- fords an outlet, capable of turning a much greater quantity of machinery than is now placed upon it, extensively as it is already improved. It is not affected by drought, as streams generally are. The armory, the oldest establish- ment now existing upon it, has never been stopped a day for the want of water, nor by such a rise in the stream, as to cause the waters to flow back. The fall from the surface of the pond to the Woolen Factory, southwest of the vil- lage, two and a half miles perhaps, is not less than one hun- dred and twenty or thirty feet. From the first one and a quarter or one and a half miles, to Goodrich's factory, this
17
is so great, that the entire stream may be used many times over, while farther on, where the fall is less, the stream is increased by the outlet of West Pond, a pond said to cover a greater area than the North Pond, though it does not send forth as much water, having no consideral^lc brooks running into it. The proportion is about as two to three.
In Sept. 1762, Joseph Keeler, of Ridgefield, Ct. purchased two tracts of land, containing together about two hundred acres on the south-west and south-east shore of the North pond, extending down the outlet some forty rods ; on which, in the course of that or the succeeding year, he erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill ; the former of which was kept up until within a very few years. The site of the latter, some years since, was occupied by a scythe shop. Both are now gone.
Where the Pontoosuc factory is, a saw-mill was early erected ; and where Pomeroy's gun factory is, a forge was built probably not long after 1770, which was improved as a forge l)y different individuals or companies, and sometimes to a very considerable extent, until 1805 or 6. Ore for this was procured mostly from Cone's bed in Richmond, some was obtained from a bed in the west part of Lanesboro', while some was picked up on the farms of the inhabitants in the neighborhood.
Where Goodrich's mill dam now is, there was a fulling- mill, belonging to Dea. Matthew Barber, and also a saw- mill as early as 1776.
Below the junction of West pond brook with the Pontoo- suc, a little north of the west road from the village, Rufus Allen built a forge about 1775 ; but as the dam flowed the marshes back, and produced fever and ague among the inhabitants, he was obliged to abandon it. A little south, but still north of the road, sometime afterward, a nail fac- tory, chair factory, &c. were built, which are not now in operation.
To the south of the west road, in 1766 or 7, where Luce's mill a few years since stood, Ezra Strong and others erected a grist-mill ; opposite to which, on the same dam, a saw- 3
18
mill was built soon after, succeeded by an oil-mill. The Luce mills are gone, and two satinet mills erected on their site, one in 1S32 or 3, and the other in 1843. These mills belong- to L. Pomeroy and Sons.
The Pontoosuc Company purcliased the lands and priv- ileges about the outlet of the North pond, in 1824, to the distance of not far from one hundred rods south from the upper dam, one hundred and fifty perhaps in all from the pond, and built their factory the two following years. The principal building, of brick, is 148 feet by 48, four stories with a story in the roof; the largest factory building, it is understood, in the county. The dye house and wool house, also of brick, on a line with this ; the fulling-mill and ma- chine shop are of corresponding size. The water is con- veyed in a canal, seventy rods from the upper dam, to the rear of the factory, where it is thrown upon a wheel eight- een feet in diameter, with buckets of eighteen feet length, five feet below the low water mark of the pond. This turns all the machinery of the building, with which it is well furnished. Here eighty hands, on an aveiage, are em- ployed, and 140,000 pounds of wool annually made into broadcloths.
On the site of the " old forge," Jason Mills, from Spring- field, established in 1806 a small gun shop for the manufac- ture of fowling pieces, &c. for people in the vicinity. In 1808, Lemuel Pomeroy purchased the place of the repre- sentatives of Mills, and on the same foundation commenced the manufacture of arms for particular States ; where, since 1816, he has manufactured them on contract for the U. S. About 2000 stands were annually made prior to 1816, when the amount became about 2200, though 2000 was the number sold to tlie government. Thus it continued until 1839, since which it is 1500 — a more expensive musket being made. Connected with this there is a trip hammer shop a little below, and a finishing shop in the village. The princi- pal building of brick, 50 feet by 40, was erected in 1823, and the present trip hammer shop in 1828. By the site of the shop there has been a saw-mill near forty years. Thirty gun- smiths are employed in the business of this establishment.
19
Between the trip hammer shop and Bisscll's factory, Mr. Pomeroy owns a valiial)k! water privilege, which is unoc- cupied, having twenty-two feet and ten inches falL
Bissell's factory, built in 1832, eighty feet by forty, brick, four stories, and of tlie same construction with the Pontoo- suc factory, has never gone into operation. Tlie fall of water is six feet.
Goodrich's factory, erected in 1816, is a wooden building, forty feet by thirty. Lead pipe, buttons, machinery, &c. were formerly manufactured here. It is now a plane and planing factory. Ten hands on an average are employed.
All the water privileges below belong to Lemuel Pome- roy and Sons. Their woollen factory to the south-west of the village, was built in 1814, eighty feet by forty, three stories, and their finishing shop opposite, in 1823, fifty feet by thirty, also three stories : both of brick. Around the factory are the needed out-buildings. In this factory and their satinet mills, seventy hands are empl'oyed and 150,000 pounds of wool annually wrought into broadcloths and satinets.
On the outlet of the West pond there were formerly three forges. The first was built by Rufus Allen, after abandon- ing the site on the Pontoosuc. On the same dam was a saw-mill. These stood not far from the chair factory, recently burnt down, a little west of Goodrich's factory. The second forge, on the dam of which was also a saw-mill, was where Goodrich's saw-mill now stands. The third was placed on an intermediate site, occupied by Marble's scythe factory. This factory is now gone. The chair fac- tory before it was burnt, was converted into a batting factory, employing about five hands ; and on the same site a factory is now building, for the manufacture of the same article.
In addition to the two branches of the Housatonic, Shaker brook is a valuable mill stream. It originates in Richmond pond, (partly in Richmond and partly in this town,) about one mile long and half a mile wide, and in several brooks in Richmond and Hancock, in the neighborhood of the Sha- ker settlement in the latter town. The general course of
20
this stream is first north-east and then east, to its union with the west Inanch of the Housatonic, below the woollen fac- tory of L. Pomeroy & Sons. In Feb. 1770, Valentine Rathbun, from Stonington, Ct. purchased a small tract of land of Aaron Baker, on square No. 68, about half a mile from the pond in a direct line, though much more as the outlet runs, together with the right of flowing as much more land as shovdd be necessary to raise a fund of water suflicient for a fulling mill then built, and a saw mill to he built. From circumstances, it is probable the fulling mill had been in existence two or three years, and it has been kept up until the present time ; though it is said a saw-mill was never built on the premises. Daniel Stearns, of Killingly, Ct. had possession of the place from 1804 until 1831. Having made some addition to the works, he conuncnced hi-re about 1814, the manufacture of woollen cloth upon a small scale ; and then manufactured satinet. This establishment some- time afterwards, was known by the name of Stearns' Old Factory, to distinguish it from a brick factory whicli he built in 1826, three-fourths of a mile down the stream. The fac- tory is now Barker's factory, having been purchased by Barker & Brothers in 1831, and since used by them in the manufacture of satinet. Their average number of hands is sixteen, and the wool wrought into this fabric annually, is 30,000 pounds. Having recently fitted up a small mill con- nected with the Shaker grist-mill, (which will be noticed presently,) they will now increase their operations.
Stearns' Factory, (the new factory) is seventy feet by forty, four stories. The average number of hands is fifty in the mill and about it, and the amount of wool manufac- tured the last year, into broadcloth and satinet, was 104,000 pounds : probably 100,000 pounds will be the average. The factory property now belongs to D. & H. Stearns. The little settlement about this is called Stearnsville, in which a post office was established some ten years since.
The Shaker grist-mill, just referred to, sixty rods back, was built in 1825, where a saw-mill called Baker's mill was erected as early as 1773. It has three run of stones, and is a valuable mill.
21
A mile and a quarter from Stearnsville, eastward, where the stream is increased by two brooks, one from the west, and one from the south-west, there is a water privilege, and a dam built, where it is said the first saw-mill in this town stood.
There are some other streams, as Lord's brook, &c. suffi- cient for saw-millS; or sufficient a portion of the year.
Besides llic factories and mills on streams, there are in the village various shops for the pursuit of different branches of mechanical business ; as well as merchant stores and offices, such as are usually found in large villages, to which refer- ence will be had in a sulisecjuent page. According to the State valuation, made in 1831, there were in the whole town 419 dwelling houses. The year preceding the num- ber of families was 563, probably more at that time. The number of house's and families now is greatei ; much greater in the village. There were then fourteen sliops within, or adjoirjing dwelling houses, and seventy-one other sliops, and four tan-houses.
The factories, mills and shops, give employment to some hundred hands, and support and comfort to many families, while they greatly increase the business and wealth of the town.
This place is probably destined to sustain a very large population. It has already many more inhabitants than any other equal portion of the County. Existing establish- ments lay abroad foundation for increase, and as just shown several water privileges arc entirely unoccupied. The lands now devoted to tillage, mowing and pasturage, skillful as some of the farmers confessedly are, might be rendered still more productive. Besides, according to the valuation above mentioned, there were in 1831, 3667 acres of unim- proved land.
PITTSFIELD VILLAGE.
The village of Pittsfield is beautifully situated in the centre of the town. Though it has no limits assigned by
/
22
law, it extends, in popular estimation, along the principal northern and southern road through the County, the dis- tance of about thiee-fourths of a mile from the Pittsfield Young Ladies Institute, to the house of the late Major Henry C. Brown, and on the great western and eastern road, (as the road was regarded before the making of the Railroad,) - ^^y^ to the East Branch, the bridge on the road turning towards Washington, and Hatter's Pond, (so called,) on the road to Dalton, with the streets and lanes north and south, as far each way as the points first named. In the centre, where these roads cross each other at right angles, there is a public square ; part of which was given by the Rev. Thomas Allen, and part by the Hon. John Chandler Williams. Though rather small for the present, and especially for the probable future size of the village, this is still a fine opening. Here is the stately elm, 126 feet in height, ninety to the limbs, which never fails to at- tract the attention of travellers ; around which, at a suit- able distance, (in the form of an ellipse,) trees have been planted, enclosed with railing, which at no distant day will add greatly to the delights of the village. Many of the buildings are on this square, and on the roads already men- tioned, denominated from their direction, North and South, East and West streets. North and South streets are nearly level the whole distance : the East street descends towards the east branch of the Housatonic, while the West passes a hollow, along which the railroad is built, in its way to the West branch. These'streets are seven rods wide, and lined extensively with trees. It is to be regretted that some streets, recently laid out, on which there are now some buildings, and which may be thickly settled hereafter, are not of greater width. In large villages, wide streets, giving ample space for side walks, shade trees, the circulation of air, and the passing and turning of carriages and teams, are of immense importance, whether we regard beauty, health, or convenience.
Within the village limits, where, forty years since, there were only a single church, fourteen or fifteen dwelling
23
houses, and perhaps two or three shops, there are now four churches, Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, and Episco- pal, the buildings pertaining to the Medical Institution, the Young Ladies Institute, a Bank (incorporated in 1828, with permission to hold stock to the amount of ^'100,000, extended in 1836 to 150,000,) a Town House, the buildings pertain- ing to the Railroad Depot, the passenger house, car house, freight house, &c., about 200 dwelling houses, inhabited by about 230 families, (sixty more houses and eighty more families than there were here ten years ago :) ten dry goods stores, three merchant tailors' shops, four groceries, two druggist stores, two shoe stores, one hardware store, one large carriage factory, three cabinet shops, five milliners' shops, four taverns, seven or eight law offices, four printing presses, two bookstores, &c. &c. The Congregational Church is of wood, the Baptist and Methodist Churches are of brick, and the Episcopal Church of stone. Some of the other public buildings, some dwelling-houses and stores, are of brick ; but most of the buildings are of wood, and two stories : a few of three, more of one.
While this village is the natural centre of business for the town, and in some measure for several towns in the vicinity, other things have contributed to its growth. The literary institutions within its limits have contributed much. The great western railroad has already increased its population and business, and there is good reason to believe will in- crease them hereafter. Lessening the expenses of travelling and transportation for the inhabitants, it furnishes facilities to all who wish to visit here for pleasure, health and litera- ture. Possessing the relation this village does to important towns northward, it is the most convenient place of deposit for their produce, fabrics and merchandize.
From the belfry of the Congregational Church, there is a charming view of the village and town, and of the surround- ing scenery.
Pittsfield was considered as easy of access before the Rail- road was made. Much was done to improve the roads and to accommodate travellers from different quaiters. The
24
town however was not easy of access from the cast, and hardly any town was in Berkshire county. The passage of the Green Mountain Range was a dreaded part of their journey to all who had to travel over it. It was the grand obstacle in all the contemplated routes for the rail- road. But the obstacle has been surmounted, and this place is brought within a few hours travel of all the places through which the road passes, or other railroads with which this is connected.
It may be well to advert a moment to the more important roads which pass this town, and to the accommodations for public travel.
The north and south road from Lanesboro', was opened as far south as Stockbridge, and probably Sheffield, as early as 1764. The eastern and western road was opened as early as this through the town, but how much further it was then extended, it may be difficult now to ascertain. About forty years since, a stage line from Boston to Northampton was carried westward through this town to Albany ; not long after which the route was improved by turnpikes. Not far from (hat time a line was established from Bennington, Vt. through this place, Lenox, &c., through the northwest part of Connecticut, and onward to the city of New York, which was afterwards abandoned. The present line from this place through Lenox, Lee, &c. to Hartford, Ct. was estab- lished in the summer of 1824. It started for a time from Lebanon Springs, N. Y. The Hartford stage passes back and forth three times a week. The line still running from Bennington, through this place to Lenox, Stockbridge, Great Barrington, &c. to Hudson, N. Y. was commenced April 1, 1826. Though much less used than before the establish- ment of the rail road, it is daily in the warm season of the year from this place, while the steamboats ply the Hudson river, and for the rest of the year it passes down one day and back the next. From Bennington to this place it is a half line the year round.
During the entire year there is a daily line, (Sunday ex- cepted,) from Albany through to Boston, passing hence
25
hence one day tliion;^h Hinsdale, Peru, &c. and the other tliroug-h Windsor, Plainfield, &c.
The Pontoosiic Turnpike from ihis village, through parts of Dalton, Hinsdale, Washington, &c. to Chester, near which the railroad runs, is of course given up as a turnpike, and the road is very little used. It was formerly very much travelled. The term Pontoosuc, improperly applied to the turnpike, unless as being mainly owned by the inhabitants of Pontoosuc or Pittsfield, is more improperl}' applied to the north branch of Westfield river. The south-west road from the village, passing by branches of the Housatonic into Stearnsville, the Hancock and New Lebanon Shaker settle- ments, &c.; into Richmond, West Stockbridge, New-Ca- naan, &c. to the market towns on the Hudson, is important since tlie railroad was built.
On these roads, by stages and other conveyances, and especially by the railroad, the great thoroughfare, this town has continual intercourse with different parts of the country.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS— HIGHER INSTITUTIONS— THE MEDICAL COLLEGE.
Primary Schools. — In the grant of this township, it was provided that a house-lot should be laid out at the com- mencement of the settlement, for the support of schools, which should draw a sixty-third part of the township in subsequent divisions. In conformity to this provision, a school lot, containing one hundred acres, was laid out near the centre of the town, along the east branch of the Housa- tonic ; and another, (a square,) containing 262| acres, esti- mated as belonging to the third quality of lands, was after- wards laid out, being No. 43, the easternmost lot but one on the northern line of the town. The location of the first lot was remarkably favorable, though its future value was not at first at all anticipated. It remained wholly unproductive for a considerable time, and then for years afforded only a trifling income. This lot at length was sold in parts, and 4
26
the square was disposed of also. Some of the avails have been lost by the depreciation of currency or other means ; thoug-h the tov^n has now a school fund derived from these lands amounting- to $2600, money at interest.
How soon a school was opened, it may be impracticable at this time to determine. In addition to the difficulties common to first settlers, the people were eml^arrasscd by the dang-ers growing out of the second French war. In May, 1761, however, the subject was agitated of building a school- house in each end of the town. There may have been a school-house in the centre earlier, or a school may liave been kept in a dwelling-house. The next year a vote was passed to build three school-houses, called the East, Middle, and West school-houses ; and the year after it was voted that the houses should be built, one twenty-two feet square, and the other two seventeen, with four windows of twelve panes of glass : thirty-six pounds were voted for building them. In 1768, forty pounds were appropriated for school- ing, ten for each of the three schools, and ten to be used at the discretion of the selectmen. In 1769 mention is made of a North-east and South-west school : other schools were probably soon established. In 1773, one hundred pounds were granted for schools; the school lot yielding six pounds and the Rev. Mr. Allen offered this year to give six pounds, for four years, for the same object.
There are now fifteen district schools in town, the central district having been divided in 1830, into three, called the Centre, East Centre and West Centre districts. Three schools had been taught for some time in the original dis- trict. Repeatedly $1600 have been appropriated by the town for all the schools, including the interest on the school fund. This year the town has appropriated $1750 for the common schools in addition to the interest on the school fund and the amount receivable from the State. They re- ceived from their own fund the last year, about $120, and from the school fund of the State, $126 58. Should they receive as much this year, the amount of money thus pro- vided for the schools will be almost $2000.
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These schools are taught by males in the winter and by- females in the summer, with the exception of that in the present Centre district. In that there are two schools, a common school, and now a select school, both taught in a convenient brick building on Fenn street. Since 1799, for considerable portions of the time, the town has patronized by grants of money, a grammar school. One has been taught from time to time in the school house just mention- ed ; and this year the town has appropriated $500 for the support of a free school of a higher order. This is done to meet the State law, requiring towns of 500 families to sup- port such a school.
THE FEMALE ACADEMY, OR SEMINARY; NOW FOLLOWED BY THE YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE.
The Female Academy, usually styled the Female Semi- nary, owed its origin immediately to the successful efforts of Miss Nancy Hinsdale, in instituting a select female school here. This excited so much interest that a number of gentlemen, in 1806, erected a building for the use of the school. In February, 1807, they procured an act of incor- poration, allowing them to hold property, the annual in- come of which, exclusive of the building, shoidd not exceed $1200. Miss Hinsdale instructed it after the incorporation until about 1813, having at first about forty scholars, and towards the close, eighty or ninety. Miss Eliza Doane, of Boston, instructed it from 1814 to 1818. Other ladies in- structed it for shorter periods. For a number of years, the large room, (prepared for the purpose,) in the lower part of the building in South Street, previously occupied by the second Congregational Society, was used as a school-room for the young ladies.
With a view to the improvement of the institution, the proprietors, in 1826, erected a large three-stcjf y brick build- ing nearly opposite the school-room, for jy^^e accommodation ofaprincipal and aboardingjestablishment, wath convenient apartments also for study. The design was to enable the pu- pils from abroad to procure board with the family of the prin-
28
cipaI,andto enjoycontinuallythebenefitsof his care and ex- ample. After April, 1827, the Seminary was placed under the superintendance of a gentleman, assisted by accomplish- ed female teachers. The English course of study was in- creased : the pupils were instructed also in Latin, Greek and French, and in music. They were particularly instructed in morals and religion, and the influences of the Spirit, in repeated instances, accompanied their labors. The pupils, collected from the town and vicinity, from different, and some from distant parts of the country, varied in number, from ninety to one hundred. The principals were the Rev. Eliakim Phelps, Mr. Jonathan L. Hyde, and Mr. Nathaniel S. Dodge. Mr. Phelps instructed it from April, 1827, un- til the autumn of 1828. He had previously been pastor for a number of years of the Congregational church in Brook- field, and for a time, principal of the Female Seminary in that town. He was afterwards pastor of the Presbyterian church in Geneva, N. Y. Mr. Hyde instructed it from Nov. 1828, to April, 1834. Before coming to this place he had been engaged in the instruction of youth in the State of Georgia, and in the city of New York. Mr. Dodge, a na- tive of Haverhill, graduate of Dartmouth College, instruct- ed it after Mr. Hyde, until sometime in 1841.
The Institution has received a new name, that of the " Young Ladies' Institute," and is instructed in the buildings formerly occupied by the Berkshire Gymnasium, briefly de- scribed in the following paragraph :
In the close of 1826, Lemuel Pomeroy, Esq., purchased
the charming site on the east side of North street, occupied
by the Government of the United States as a cantonment,*
during the late war with Great Britain, for the purpose of
establishing a gymnasium or high school. The year after,
he erected upon it three large three story brick buildings;
one for the principal, and one fol" the boarding house ; the
t'**^ other containi^ a large school-room, recitation and lodging
ti^<^*- rooms. There ^tm. also lodging rooms for the students in
<^^ the other buildings. These st«iid on a line, facing the south,
" overlooking an extensive garden and pleasure grounds of
* See Appendix, Note A.
29
imcommon beauty, ornamented with trees and walks." Tliey also command a beautiful view of the village and surroundins;- hills and mountains. The gymnasium Avas opened in the latter part of 1827. (though not incorporated until 1829.) by Rev. Chester Dewey, formerly Professor of Natural Philosophy, Mathematics and Chemistry, in Wil- liams College. It w^as conducted lwfrh«*to~ by him, as- sisted by competent teachers, on the general plan of the European Gymnasia. The pupils were taught the va- rious English branches of education, and in ancient and modern languages. Much attention was paid to moral and religious instruction, as w^ell as to science. The Gym- nasium ceased its operations in 1836, on the removal of the Principal to Rochester, N. Y., whither he was called to preside over the "Collegiate Institute" of that city.
In November, 1841, the Young Ladies' Institute was opened by the Rev. W. H. Tyler and lady, in the build- ings occupied by the Gymnasium. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler were previously principals of the "South Carolina Female Institute," at Barhamville, near Columbia, S. C, and earli- er still, of the Academy at Manlius, N. Y., to which place Mr. T. went directly from the tutorship in Amherst College, of which he is an alumnus.
The centre building of the three erected for the Gymna- sium having been burned down, the remaining two, ample in their dimensions, and uniform in appearance, w^ere con- nected by a corridor two hundred feet in length, and were otherwise admirably fitted up for the purposes of a day and boarding school.
Associated w' ith Mr. and Mrs. Tyler are eight accomplish- ed teachers in all the various departments of a complete female education. The teacher of French, Drawing and Painting, a native of France, and for some years instructor in Dartmouth College, and E. G. Tyler, A. M., the associ- ate principal, are permanently connected W'ith the Institu- tion. The last named gentleman, as well as his brother, is a graduate of Amherst College, and he also received an appointment to the tutorship there.
The desirable location of the Institute, its liberal arrange-
30
ments and advantages, and the high character of its teach- ers have given to it an extensive and enviable,reputation. The present number of its pupils is eighty, of whom more than half are from abroad, and with the teachers, are in- mates of the family of the Principal. And this complete family organization is justly considered one of the most effi- cient means of exerting that healthful, moral and social in- fluence so essential in Institutions for the young.
The following is the report of the Examining Committee of the Institution for 1843 : — " The subscribers have just com- pleted their duties as an examining committee of the Young Ladies Institute in Pittsfield, under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler, as Principals. The examination was continued from day to day, and in its character was a thor- ough, laborious examination, rather than an exhibition. In the result we were most unaffectedly gratified ; and we feel warranted in saying, that no pains have been spared by the Principals or their assistant teachers. In the points of order, decorum, appropriate and lady-like behavior, the pupils left us nothing to regret. For accuracy, thoroughness of schol- arship, and promptness in recitation, few schools in the land, if any, could surpass it. The committee took a share in all parts of the examination, and were abundantly satisfied that the pupils understood the principles and foundations of learning. While music, drawing, painting, and what are usually denominated the ornamental branches, have all the aid and advantages which are necessary, or which could be desired, we were happy to see that languages and the math- ematics, even the severer parts, w^ere the test of scholar- ship. In addition to all, the school has, during the past winter, received such tokens of the approbation of Heaven, that it would be ungrateful in us not to acknowledge it.
" We sum up all w'e have to add by saying, that daugh- ters placed in this school will have all done for them that patience, perseverance, conscience and skill can do, to lay the foundations of character that is thoroughly and sym- metrically educated." J. Todd,
D. S. Dickinson, G. N. Briggs.
31
THE DILLINGHAM SCHOOL — NOW THE SELKCT FAMILY BOARDING SCHOOL OF MR. NASH.
The private school of Mr. Charles Dillingham, in South street (commenced in June, 1826,) had a high reputation. The lads, limited in age from six to fourteen years, and in numher from thirty-five to forty, were hoarded in his family and enjoyed at all times liis care and comi)any, whose large house and adjoining buihlings afforded them ample accom- modations. They were mostly from Philadelphia, (where Mr. Dillingham was several years a teacher in the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb,) and from New York and Albany. They were instructed by him and three or four assistants in the common and higher English branches, in modern lan- guages and in Latin and Greek.
Mr. Dillingham died Dec. 15, 1834, aged 35.* His rep- utation was high as a teacher, and his death greatly lamented.
Mr. Robert M. Chapman, who had before been an assist- ant to Mr. Dillingham, a student at the time in the Episco- pal Seminary in New- York, took the school and continued it on the same premises until Oct. 1838. Mr. Chapman is now an Episcopal clergyman, and minister of the church in Vandeusenville, in Great Barrington.
Rev. J. Adams Nash, a native of Conway, graduate of Amherst College, who taught a select school five years in the city of New York, and was then settled over a Presby- terian church in Binghamton, succeeded Mr. Chapman.
Mr. Nash is the Principal and Lester M. Clarke, A. M. Associate Principal, as the school is now organized. There is connected with it also, a teacher of French and a teacher of Penmanship. The design is to make the school " strictly a Select Family Boarding School; adapted to combine with thorough instruction, the social, moral and religious influ- ences of a well regulated. Christian family; and to furnish a resort, where parents, who, for any reason, cannot educate
* See Appendix, Note B.
32
their sons personally, may place them with safety and ad- vantage." Such schools are needed by some parents in different places, and by many who dwell in cities. For the object in view the location could hardly be better. Though within the limits of a large village, and enjoying its advan- tages, it is remarkably retired. The pupils could hardly enjoy more quietness, and be more secure from temptation in the most remote and scattered settlement. The buildings are well fitted for study, and the grounds in the rear for recreation. " The course of instruction embraces Greek, Latin, French, Mathematics, Vocal Music and Drawing, together with all the branches of a thorough English educa- tion. This course is varied, at the option of the parent, with a view to prepare the pupil for college, or for the active pursuits of life." And lest the number of scholars should be too great for their highest advantage, it is to be restricted hereafter to twenty. This has been about the average number since the connection of Mr. Nash with the institution, and they are to be between the ages of seven and sixteen. They are received into the family of the principal, and such as are from a distance, and desire it, can remain in the family during vacation. The terms are two, twenty-two weeks each. This is a good school.
MISS HINSDALE'S SELECT SCHOOL.
In May 1843, Miss Fanny Hinsdale, neice of the celebrated instructress, who was so successful many years since in ex- citing attention to female education, opened a select school in the room formerly occupied by the Female Seminary, designed especially for the instruction of Young Ladies, though boys under seven years of age are admitted. She is assisted by two female teachers, and the pupils are instruct- ed in the English branches, in Algebra, Latin and French. There are two terms in the year, and the number of scholars the present term is about forty, mostly Young Ladies.
33
BERKSHIRE MEDICAL INSTITUTION.
In tlie year 1822, a Medical Scliool was established in this town, through the enterpiize and lilxnality of u few in- dividuals of the County of Berkshire. That it was judicious, and that the public wants demanded such an institution, is evident from the number of students who have resorted to it for a professional education.
An act of incorporation was obtained in 1823, authorizing the Trustees to establish a Medical College, and in connex- ion with Williams College, giving the power of conferring medical degrees, under the same rules and restrictions as are recognized by the University of Cambridge.
Subsequently, a grant of 5000 dollars was made by the Legislature, for the purpose of aiding the laudable objects of the institution. Also authority was given to establish a Lyceum of Natural History, an Eye Infirmary, and a Gen- eral Hospital. The success of the enterprise has far exceed- ed the anticipations even of many of its friends. The num- ber of students has averaged annually about 100, and amounts now to about 150.
By an act of the Legislature, passed in 1837, the Berkshire Medical Institution is constituted an Independent Medical College, and degrees are conferred by the President, Trus- tees and Faculty of the Institution. A Board of Overseers is appointed, consisting of the Trustees of the Institution, the President and Secretaries of the Mass. Medical Society, the Senators of the Commonwealth from the four western dis- tricts, ex officio, and other distinguished gentlemen from various parts of the Commonwealth. Thus is the Berkshire Medical Institution emphatically a State Institution.
Graduates of the Berkshire Medical Institution are entitled to all the privileges and immunities which have been granted by the Legislature to the medical graduates of Harvard Uni- versity ; and by a vote of the Mass. Medical Society passed
34
in May, 1837, the graduates of the Berkshire Medical Inst, are entitled to admission as Fellows of that Society, without fee or an examination. More than 600 graduates of the Berkshire Medical Inst, scattered over the United States are now in the successful practice of medicine.
In this Institution particular attention is given to the study of Pathology : and to its credit, it may be said, here was established the first distinct professorship of that branch in the United States.
A School of Medicine is continued throughout the year, in which medicine, in all its branches is taught. The year is divided into a Lecture Term and Reading Term. The annual course of Lectures commences on the first Thursday of August, and continues fourteen weeks. The remainder of the year is occupied by the Reading Term, and consists of daily recitations in all the branches of medical science, and medical dissertations by the students.
The Library, the Anatomical Museum, and the Cabinet of Minerals, are all very respectable — the buildings belong- ing to the Institution consist of a large boarding house, and an edifice for lecture -rooms and other purposes connected with the interests of the Institution. Recently, an associa- tion of the Alumni of the Institution, and the Students at- tending the lectures, has been formed, with the design of in- creasing the advantages for the acquisition of medical sci- ence, and promoting the interests of the Institution. The Association gives to each member a diploma, and admits all former graduates of the Institution as honorary members. At the Commencement of the Institution, in connection with the exercises of that day, the Alumni have public ad- dressess on subjects connected with the science of Medi- cine.
The Faculty of the Berkshire Medical Institution have been a woi^king Faculty^ and the reputation of the students for close application, diligent study, and correct behavior, is not surpassed by any Medical college in the country.
35
A Clinique is held every Saturday, during- the Lecture Term, when operations in Surgery are performed, and medical advice is given by the Professors, gratuitously.
The first President was Josiah Goodhue, M. D., of Hadley, a distinguished physician, who deceased in 1829. The next President was Zadoc Howe, M. D., of Billerica, an active member of the profession, who resigned his place in 1836. In 1837, on the change of the charter so as to make the Institution an independent Medical School, Hon. H. H. Childs, M. D., one of its most active founders and support- ers, was chosen its President, thus adding to the duties of his Professorship the responsibilities of its presiding officer. Since the founding of the Institution, Dr. Childs has been a devoted and successful professor, annually presenting his couise of Theory and Practice. With him there is now associated only one of the professors at first appointed, the professor of Chemistry &c., the other professorships having^ several times changed their incumbents. At the present time the Institution is supplied with an active and efficient Faculty.
Henry H. Childs, President of the Corporation. Alonzo Clark, Dean or Secretary of the Faculty.
Faculty. — H. H. Childs, M. D., Professor of Theory and Practice and of Obstetrics.
C. Dewey, M. D. and D. D., Professor of Chemistry, Botany, and Natural Philosophy.
Hon. H. Hubbard, A. M., Professor of Medical Jurispru- dence.
Oilman Kimball, M. D., Professor of Principles and Prac- tice of Surgery.
B. R. Palmer, M. D., Prof, of Anatomy and Physiology.
Alonzo Clark, M. D., Prof, of Pathology and Materia Medica.
Timothy Childs, Demonstrator of Anatomy.
The influence of all the public schools and literary insti- tutions here is very great. They presuppose a high regard
36
for literature and the welfare of the rising- generation among- the inhabitants. In addition to the libraries of professors and principals, opened for the benefit of the members of these schools and institutions, and the libraries of private g"entlemen, there are some public libraries. There was for- merly one in the east part of the town connected with Dal- ton, called "Union Library," established in 1796. This was dissolved in 1808. There is now one in the west part of the town called the "Social Library" founded in 1825, and containing 175 volumes. There is also in the village, "The Young- Men's Library," commenced in 1832, contain- ing- about 400 volumes.* *
NEWSPAPERS.
A printing press was set up here as early as 1787. In May following, a weekly paper was issued, styled the "Berk- shire Chronicle." Precisely how long this was published I am unable to state. Another paper was set up afterwards, but discontinued some time before the establishment of the " Pittsfield Sun," by the Hon. Phinchas Allen, in Septem- ber, 1800. Some time after this the Berkshire Reporter was published here for several years. The Berkshire American was commenced in 1826, and in Feb. 1827, removed to North Adams. The last number of this paper was issued about June 1834. The Argus succeeded the American at Pittsfield, was edited by Henry K. Strong until March, 1829, and then by Samuel W. Bush until Sept. I, l83l, when it was united with the Berkshire Journal, at Lenox. This paper was afterwards called the Journal and Argus until Sept. 4, 1834, when it assumed the title of the Massachu- setts Eagle.
Four weekly papers are now published in Pittsfield ; the "Pitsfield Sun," already mentioned, edited by the Hon. Phinehas Allen and son; the "Berkshire County Whig,"
* See Appendix, Note C.
37
begun Marcli 11, 1841, Henry Hubbard, Esq. editor; ''Tlie Berkshire Eagle," moved herefrom Lenox in 1842, the late Massachusetts Eagle, present editor, Charles Montague, and the " New England Cataract and Berkshire and Franklin Washingtonian," editor, J. D. Bonner, begun in June last.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS CONGREGATIONALISTS — BAPTISTS
METHODISTS EPISCOPALIANS.
The earliest settlers of this town were very generally", if not universally, Congregationalists. B3ahe act of the Gen- eral Court, granting the township, the inhabitants were re- quired to lay out a house-lot for the support of the ministry, "which should draw a sixty-third part of said town in all future divisions," and " to build and finish a suitable and convenient house for the public worship of God, and settle a learned orthodox minister," within a given time.
In conformity with this act a house-lot was laid out, be- ing No. 13, and lying to the north-west of the public square; and a part of square No. 7, (113 acres) to the north-west of this, considered as being of the first quality of lands, and a part of square No. 44, (112 acres) at the north-east corner of the town, being of the third quality. These lands were for some time wholly unproductive. In 1767 an effort was made to clear a part of the house-lot. In the early part of 1774, a petition was sent to the Legislature for liberty to lease out the ministry lands ^ which seems to have been granted : for in July of that year it was voted " that the town do consent to alienate and convey the ministry lot. No. 13, agreeably to the statute of the Province for that purpose." About the same time the lot was sold to Dr. Timothy Childs and Col. John Brown, for 300Z. The other lots were sub- sequently sold, A portion of the avails of these lands has been lost, or converted to some other purpose than the sup- port of the ministry. From these avails the Congregation- alists have now only $700, They have, however, a legacy from Woodbridge Little, Esq. who died in June, 1813, of $500, and another from John R, Crocker, who died in Octo-
38
ber, 1826, of |476,94. Deacon Daniel Ciofoot, who died in August, 1832, willed to the society $500, to go into their hands upon the decease of his widow. When this sum shall be received, the Congregationalists will have a fund of $2176 94. The society have also a Parsonage.
With respect to the building of a house for the public wor- ship of God, and the settlement of a minister, the proprie- tors at their first meeting, after they were incorporated, Sept. 12, 1753, voted toraise40Z. lawful money for building a meeting-house, and assessed 3s. on each settling lot for the support of preaching. In May following, it was voted " that the meeting-house should be thiry-five feet by thir- ty." In August the town resolved to go on and build the meeting-house without delay ; they also voted " to hire Mr. Smith," who had probably preached to them for a time *' as a probationer." This year the assessment was doubled for the support of preaching ; and the prospect was that the people would soon have the ordinances of the gospel statedly ministered to them. But the occurrence of the second French War dissipated this prospect for several years.
The Mr. Smith employed in 1754 was the Rev. Cotton Mather Smith, who settled in 1775 in Sharon, Ct., father of the Hon. John Cotton Smith, formerly Governor of that state, and late President of the American Bible Society. He was a native of Suffield, Ct. and graduate of Yale Col- lege. He studied theology in Hatfield, and for some time in 1752 or 3 instructed an Indian school in Stockbridge. As a clergyman he ranked high among his brethren.
In October, 1758, the people voted to hire preaching, and in the latter part of 1759 a Mr. Clark was procured to preach to them for a season. In August, 1760, Mr. Ebenezer Guernsey, who had preached to them four months, was in- vited to settle with them conditionally. This call he nega- tived, but supplied them further on probation, and was in- vited a second time to settle with them. This call he also declined in January, 1761. Mr. Guernsey returned to Durham, his native town, and finally gave up the ministry.
39
In August of this year the inhabitants invited Mr. Enocli Huntington, of Windham, Ct., to become their minister. Mr. H. declined their invitation because he felt it to be his duty to settle at Middlelown, where he had a call at the same time, though he expressed to the people his convic- tion that his temporal prospects would be best at Pittsfield. He was much distinguished for classical learning. Aljroth- er of his, Dr. Joseph Huntington, was minister in Coventry, Ct. ; another l^rother, Hon, Samuel Himtington, was a num- ber of years Governor of that state.
In 1762 an ineffectual effort was made to settle Mr. Amos Thompson, and in 1763 to settle the Rev. Daniel Collins, the late well-known and venerable pastor of the church in Lanesborough.
In the course of 1763 Mr. Thomas Allen, the first pastor of the church came to this town. On the 7th of February, 1764, the church was organized by Dr. Hopkins, then of Great Barrington, Dr. West, of Stockbridge, and Mr. Eben- ezer Martin, of Becket, " on the basis of the present confes- sion and covenant ; which were subscribed" by eight male members, viz. : Stephen Crofoot, Ephraim Stiles, Daniel Hubbard J Aaron Baker, Jacob Ensign, and William, Lem- uel and Elnathan Phelps ; after which Dr. Hopkins preach- ed from 2 Cor. viii. 5. These members had probably been members before of other churches. On the 5th of March, the church in the first place, and then the people at large, unanimously invited Mr. Allen to become their pastor. He accepted the invitation, and was ordained on the 18th of April, the day after the ordination of Mr. Collins. The Rev. Mr. Hooker, of Northampton, his theological instruct- or, preached on the occasion. During this year, thirty one members were added to the church, a large part of them probably by letter.
While these measures were prosecuted for the settlement of a minister, the erection of a meeting-house was not for- gotten, though the work was not prosecuted apparently with equal zeal. In February, 1760, it was voted to raise money to build a meeting-house, to be paid one half that year, and
40
one half the year following-, forty-five feet by thirty-five ; and in December, that on condition the non-resident propri- etors would pay 80Z, and take four pews, to build it fifty-five feet by forty-five. The latter are supposed to have been the dimentions of the house- It seems to have been raised (and it may have been occupied,) in 1761, thoug-h it was not reg-arded as finished until the close of 1770. There are many votes on the town records respecting this building. It required an expense which the inhabitants were not then well able to bear. It stood a little south of the present Con- gregational church, which was built in 1792, eighty feet by fifty, with a porch.
The Rev. Thomas Allen, the first minister of Pittsfield, was a native of Northampton, where his ancestors had re- sided from the first settlement of that town, and had held a respectable rank in society and in the church. He was born Jan. 7, 1743. A brother of his, the Rev. Moses Allen, was settled in the ministry at Midway, in the state of Geor- gia : another, Major Solomon Allen, after having served his country faithfully in the Revolutionary War, and taken a conspicuous part in quelling the insurrection of Shays, entered the ministry late in life, and labored in several towns in the western district of New York. Through the bequest of a great uncle, Mr. Allen was educated at Har- vard College, where he was graduated in 1762, with a high reputation as a classical scholar. His ordination as Pastor of the Congregational church in this town, in 1764, has been mentioned. At this time, the town was nearly a wil- derness, there being in it but half a dozen houses not made with logs. His religious doctrines were Calvinistic, and he believed Congregationalism in the church to be most con- sistent with Republican institutions. He labored with zeal among his people. " Besides his stated labors on the Sab- bath, he frequently delivered lectures, and in the course of his ministry preached six or seven hundred funeral sermons. In the early part of his ministry he also occasionall)'' preach- ed in the neighboring towns, not then supplied with settled ministers." Warm in his temperament and inflexible in purpose, he engaged earnestly in support of the rights of
41
his country against the aggressions of Great Britain, both before the commencement of the war and during the long continued struggle for independence. On the 30th of June, 1774, he was* placed at the head of a standing committee of safety and correspondence for the town, to correspond with the committees of this and other provinces. His let- ters at this time were characteristic, exhibiting great vigilance and zeal in the Cciuse of libert}',* and at the same time a high trust in (he God of battles. In 1776 he acted for a short period as Chaplain to the American Army under Washington, at White Plains, and in June and July, 1777, he olhciatod in the same capacity at Ticonderoga. The month following he went with the volunteer company of militia, many of them his own parishioners, from Pittsfield to meet Burgoyne's troops at Bennington, and took an ac- tive part in the exertions and trinmplis of the memorable battle that ensued. Reporting himself to Gen. Stark, he was forthwith appointed a Chaplain, and there are those who yet express their belief in the efficacy of a prayer be- fore the army on the morning of the action, which ascended from the fervent lips of Mr. Allen. '' Among the reinforce- ments from Berkshire County," says Edward Everett, in his life of Stark, " came a clergyman, with a portion of his flock, resolved to make bare the arm of ilesh against the enemies of the country. Before daylight on the morning of the 16th, he addressed the commander as follows : ' We, the people of Berkshhe, have been frequently called upon to fight, but have never been led against the enemy. We have now resolved, if you will not let us fight, never to turn out again.' General Stark asked him ' if he wished to march then when it was dark and rainy V ' No,' was the answer. ' Then' continued Stark, ' if the Lord should once more give us sunshine, and I do not give you fighting enough, I will never ask you to come again." The weath- er cleared up in the course of the day, and the men of Berk- shire followed their spiritual guide into action."!
*See Appendix. Note D.
fEveretf s Life of Gen. Stark— Spark's Library of Am. Biog. p. 97.
6
42
Before the attack was commenced, being posted opposite to that wing- of the enemy which waspiincipally composed of refugees, who had joined the invaders, Mr. Allen advan- ced in front of our militia, and in a voice distintly heard by them, exhorted the enemy to lay down their arms, assuring them of good quarters, and warning them of the consequen- ces of refusal. Having performed what he considered a re- ligious duty, and being fired upon, he resumed his place in the ranks, and when the signal was given, was among the foremost in attacking the enemy.
There is a tradition that Mr. Allen was recognized by some of these refugees ; for there were a very few men of this description from Pittsfield and other parts of Berkshire, and that they said, " there is Parson Allen, let us pop him !" There is also a tradition, that when he was fired upon, and the bullets of the enemy were whistling about him, he jumped down from the rock or stump on which he had stood, and cried out, " Now, boys, let us give it to them ;" and immediately said to his brother Joseph by his side : "You load, and I will fire!" After the battle was over, he found a Hessian surgeon's horse, loaded with panniers of bot- tles of wine. The wine he administered to the wounded and weary ; but two large square bottles he carried home with him as trophies of his campaign of three or four days. Being asked whether he killed a man, he replied, " he did not know ; but that observing a flash often repeated in a bush near b}^, which seemed to be succeeded each time by a fall of some one of our men, he levelled his musket, and firing in that direction, he put out that tlash !"
During Shays' rebellion, Mr. Allen supported the author- ity of the government of Massachusetts, and was threatened by the insurgents. But in his intrepidity he was not to be shaken from iris purpose or duty, and he held himself in readiness, sleeping with arms in his bedroom, to defend himself against the violence of lawless men.
In 1779, he journeyed on horseback to Savannah in Geor- gia, to rescue a widowed sister and her child from peril, and made a voyage to London in 1799, to bring home an orphan
43
grandchild. While in London, seeing the King pass from St. James to the Parliament House, in a coach drawn by six cream colored horses, he recorded the following rellecfion, among others, in his journal : — '' This is he, who desolated my country ; who ravag(>d the American coasts ; annihila- ted our trade ; burned our towns ; plundered our cities ; sent forth his Indian allies to scalp our wives and , children ; starved our youth in his prison ships ; and caused the ex- penditure of a hundred millions of money, and a hundred thousand of precious lives. Instead of being the father of his people, he has been their destroyer. May God forgive him so great guilt !"
The union early formed between Mr. Allen and bis peo- ple was cemented l)y mutual kindnesses and continued with- out any material interruption about 40 years. Some of the early settlers were from his native town and a large portion of them were about his age. But in 1808, "in consequence of a verv unhappy difficulty, originating in the political ar- dor of that period, and over which all parties now wash to cast the veil of oblivion, a considerable number of the church and parish withdrew from his ministry, and w^ere incorpo- rated soon after, as a separate parish." They erected the house in South street as their place of worship, the interior of which has been altered, and which is now occupied, one part as a school-room, and the other as a lecture room. "On the 22d of August, 1809, a new church was organized upon the doctrinal basis of that from which they had withdrawn, and on the 26th of October" following, Mr. Thomas Pnn- derson, a native of New Haven, and graduate of Yale Col- lege, was ordained their Pastor.
Notwithstanding this separation, Mr. Allen continued in the ministry with the original church until his death, which took place, after a short but severe illness, on the Lord's day, Feb. 11, 1810, at the age of 67, in the hope of a bless- ed immortality. His worthy consort, Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, daughter of the Rev. Jonathan Lee, first minister of Salis- bury, Ct., survived him until March 31, 1830, when she died at the age of 82.
44
They had 12 children, nine sons and three daughters, all of whom, with (he exception of two sons, lived to adult years, thoug-li they are all now in their graves, excepting- the Hon. Jonathan Allen, of this town, and the Rev. William Allen, D. D., who was ordained the successor of his father on the 10th of October after his father's death.
One of their sons was a captain in service, dining the war of 1812 ; another officiated as surgeon in the same war, both on the New York frontier; another acted as assistant Quar- termaster Genera], and one of his danghters, a beantiful and fascinating woman, who married Gen. Ripley, was at the bedside of her husband, when he was suffering from the ultimately fatal wound he received at the sortie of Fort Erie. Three of their sons received collegiate education, one of whom, Solomon Metcalf Allen, Professor in Middleljury College, will be noticed hereafter. Their grandchildren now living, number twenty, and their great-grandchildren ten.
In addition to several sermons which have been publish- ed, Mr. Allen left extant at his death twenty-seven hundred sermons of his own production, written in short hand, which no one has been able to decipher.
The two churches placed under the care of Mr. Punder- son and Mr. William Allen, remained separate and distinct about eight years. " But as the spirit in which the separa- tion commenced gradually subsided on both sides, the inconveniences and burdens of so unnatural a state of things were more and more felt, and in tlie latter part of 1816, many began to think and talk seriously of a re-union. It was soon found that a majority of both societies were deci- dedly in favor of the measure, and as the pastors coincided in the general opinion, that an union would promote the best interests of the town, though it must separate them from their beloved charges, it was not difficult to agree upon the conditions on which it should take place. Accordingly, to prepare the way for the churches and congregations again to become one, Mr. Allen was disnnssed Feb. 5, 1817, and
45
Mr. Punderson on the 5tli of May following. The parishes were re-uniled by vn act of the General Courl, in the early part of the same year, and the Churches by a mutual Coun- cil, on the 7th of July. Both the pastors were highly es- teemed, and much beloved by their people, who would gladly have retained tliem, had it been practicable under the new organization." Dr. Allen hassincebeen President of Bowdoin College, in the State of Maine, and Mr. Pundei- son is Pastor of the Cliurch in Huntington, Ct.
After the union of the churches, Rev. Heman Humphrey, (now Dr. Humphrey) a native of Burlington, Ct. and graduate of Yale College, who had been pastor about ten years of the Congregational church in Fairfield, in that State, was invited to take the oversight of them in the Lord. He was in.^talled Nov. 27th, 1817, and remained with them until Sept. 23, 1823, when he was dismissed, tliat he might enter upon the duties of the Presidency of Amherst College, Avhere he was inaugurated on the 15th of October, in the same year; and wliere he \vas installed Pastor of the College Church, Feb. 28, 1827.
Dr. Humphrey was succeeded by Rev. Rufus William Bailey, a native of North Yarmouth, Me., graduate and tutor of Dartmouth College, April 15, 1824. Previously to coming to this place, Mr. Bailey was pastor for a time of a church in Norwich, Vt., and a professor in the Military Academy then existing in that town. He was dismissed on account of ill health, the 27th of Sept. 1827. After his dismission, he removed to South Carolina, and became principal of an academy at Rice Creek, near Columbia. He now preaches in that State.
Rev. Henry Philip Tappan became pastor of this church, Sept. 17, 1828, and was dismissed also on account of ill healtii, Nov, 1, 1831. He has since been professor, for a time, of intellectual and moral philosophy and belles-lettres in the University of the city of New York ; and is now the principal of a large boarding and day school for yoimg ladies, in the same city. Mr. Tappan is a native of Pough- keepsie, N. Y. and a graduate of Union College.
46
Rev. John William Yeomans, a native of Hinsdale, grad- uate and tutor of Williams College, who had been pastor of the church in North Adams, from Nov. 12, 1828, to Feb. 16, 1832, was installed here March 7, 1832, and dismissed Sept. 9, 1834. On the 7th of Oct. he was installed pastor of the Presbyterian cliurch in the city of Trenton, and is now president of Lafayette College, at Easton, Penn.
Rev. Horatio N. Brinsmade, D.D. a native of New-Hart- ford, graduate of Yale in 1822, who had been a teacher in the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb in Hartford, and then pastor of the church in Collinsville, in the same State, was settled as pastor of this church, Feb. 11, 1835, and was dismissed in the autumn of 1841, having received a call from the 3d Presbyterian church in Newark, N. J. of which he is now pastor.
The Rev. John Todd, a classmate of Mr. Brinsmade, was installed his successor Feb. 16, 1842. He had been pastor some years of Union Church in Groton, Mass., of the Ed- wards Church in Northampton, and of a church in the city of Philadelphia.
The people of this town have been favored with several seasons of special divine influence. In 1820, particularly, and more extensively in 1821, (when Dr. Humphrey was assisted by Rev. Asahel Nettleton)a revival spread amongst the inhabitants. This was a precious revival, and greatly promoted the religious character of the town, the influence of which is still felt. There was another revival during the ministry of Mr. Bailey, in 1827, the more remarkable, as he was then confined by sickness. Mr. Phelps, however, at that time principal of the Female Seminary, labored faith- fully among the people. Seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, have occurred under the ministry of the succeeding pastors, and some of them of great interest.
The following table will show the number of persons admitted to the church by each, (from the world and by letter;) the number of baptisms administered, and marriages solemnized by most of them.
47
|
Admissions. |
Baptisms. |
Marriarfes. |
|
|
T. Allen, |
341 |
710 |
406 |
|
W. Allen, |
57 |
70 |
35 |
|
T. PLindeison, |
56 |
97 |
28 |
|
H. Humphrey, |
214 |
180 |
49 |
|
R. W. Bailey, |
99 |
82 |
24 |
|
H. P. Tappmi, |
88 |
55 |
19 |
|
J. W. Yeomans, |
141 |
— |
— |
|
H. N. Briiismade, |
247 |
40 |
112 |
|
J. Todd, |
122 |
8 |
86 |
If to the foregoing- admissions we add tlie eight admitted to the church at its formation, we have a total of professors among the Congregationalists from the beginning of 1373. There may have been some admissions to the church in the vacancies between the settlement of the pastors, and if so, the total must be greater. The church is now very large.
Baptists. — As early as 1768, Mr. Valentine Rathbun, a Baptist in sentiment, came to this town from Stonington, Ct. Mention has been made of him in a previous pnge as having erected a clothier's works on the outlet of Rich- mond pond. He set up meetings in his own house, and soon gained over some of his neighbors, by the name of Doming, Kingsley, Narramore, Phelps, &c. to his own views respecting the mode and subjects of baptism. In 1772 a small Baptist church was formed among them, which may have received some addition afterwards. But in the early part of 1780, when the attention of numbers in Han- cock and New Lebanon was turned to the principles and worship of the Shakers, Elder Rathbun, and some of his followers, united themselves with that class of people. Hav- ing remained with them about three months he renounced their sentiments, and published a pamphlet against them, entitled "Rathbun's Hints." He now resumed his former meetings ; but his union with the Shakers, transient as it was, greatly injured the Baptist Society. Some who joined the Shakers never returned. He however continued his
48
meetings until about 1790, when he removed toPompey N. Y., where he died. For a part of the time he held his meetings in an unfinished building designed for a meeting- house, which stood very near the site of the present west Methodist meeting-house. After his removal, the church gradually diminished, and finally became extinct.
Notwithstanding the apparent fickleness of Elder Rath- bun in changing his sentiments so hastily, he is said to have been a man of good sense and piety, and to have pos- sessed a respectable share of information. He w^as as zeal- ous in politics as in religion. In Dec. 1775, he was placed on the committee of inspection and correspondence for the town, and in two instances in the time of the Rev- olutionary war, was elected a representative to the Genernl Court.
In March 1801, a new Baptist church was organized in the west part of the town with sixteen members, which re- mained destitute of a stated pastor until 1806, when Elder John Francis an inhabitant of the town, w^as ordained its pastor. He ha^d the spiiitual oversight of the church until his death, Sept. 21, 1813, in the fifty-fifth year of his age, and was regarded as a pious and worthy man. For the greater part of the time Elder Francis preached in the school-house in the North Woods ; for tw^oor three years in the school house near the Methodist meeting-house.
Thus deprived of their pastor, the church remained va- cant until 1822, when Elder Augustus Beach, a native of New Ashford, became pastor of the church here and of the church in Lanesborough. In June 1827, when all the Baptists in town repaired to the new house of worship in the village, he gave up the latter charge. From that time un- til May 1834, (when he was dismissed,) he was pastor of the Pittsfield church only.
This congregation has been favored with several seasons of special attention to religion, and at one time the church had more than 200 members.
Since Mr. Beach's dismission, they have had as regular
49
pastors, Rev. Edwin Sands and Rev. Arnold Kingsbury, the piesent pastor, who began his laI)ors liere May Isf, 1843. The present number of communicants is 112.
Their new meeting-house is of brick, fifty-seven feet by thirty-eight, and cost about $3000, towards which "the church acknowledge the liberal aid of their brethren of other denominations." This is now usually well filled on the Sabbath.
Methodists. — The Episcopal Methodists arose in the west part of the town about 1788, under the preaching and la- bors of Rev, Messrs. Lemuel Smith and Thomas Everett, and erected their meeting-house, forty-two and a half feet by thiity-four and a lialf, about 1798. They have become nimierous. In 1829, they built a brick meeting-house in the east part of the village, sixty feet by forty, where they have a full congregation. Besides these two meeting- houses, they \\^\e preaching places at Stearnsville, Pontoo- suc, and in the east part of the town. The professors at all these places, amounting to about 270, are considered as con- stituting one church. About one half of them now live in and near the village, where a branch was formed June 19, 1829, with only six members. For about fifteen years the town of Pittsfield alone has constituted a station, and of course has been entitled to the entire services of an itiner- ant preacher. The people have enjoyed the labors of the Rev. Cyrus Prindle, Jarvis G. Nichols, Timothy Benedict, Henry Smith, Luman A. Sanford, John Pegg, Peter M. Hitchcock and Daniel D. Whedon. There are also several local preachers in town, who perform a part of the public services. Elder Robert Green, from Maryland, who had been a circuit preacher, and assisted in the formation of most of the Methodist churches in the County, was located in this place in 1800, and preached frequently until near or quite the time of his death in 1838, at the age of 73.
A secession from the Methodists in the west part of the town took place about 1813. The seceders, styled Reform-
50
ed Methodists, built themselves a small house for worship, and were supplied with circuit preaching for some years, but are now extinct as a society.
Episcopalians. — The Episcopal Society in this town was organized according to law in the summer of 1830, under the name of St. Stephen's Church. About fifty families connected themselves with it in that and the fol- lowing year, and their number has since increased. The services of the church were held during that time and the succeeding year in the old Town House, and in the Lecture Room. Several clergymen officiated for the society during this period, and among them the Rev. George T. Chapman, D. D., late of Lexington, Ky., afterwards of Portland, Maine, now of Worcester, Mass., who was principally instrumental in gathering the society. In Oct. 1831, the Parish determin- ed upon building their present place of worship, and then invited the Rev. Edward Ballard, at that time preaching at North Charlestown and Drewsville, N. Hampshire, to be their permanent Rector. The church, which is a vety hand- some edifice after the Gothic order, is built of blue lime stone," (obtained from Luce's quary.) "with a tower, and occupies the site of the old Town House. Its dimensions are sixty-seven feet by forty-three : height of tower eighty feet. It was finished in Dec. 1832, and then consecrated to the service of Almighty God, to be a place of worship for- ever, according to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church. At the same time Mr. Bal- lard, A. M. was instituted Rector of the Parish. He is a native of Hopkinton, N. Hampshire, and received his The- ological education at the General Seminary of the Church in New York. The Rector is supported from the income of a fund, (contributed for the purpose, which now amounts to nearly $5000,) and by a tax on pews, which have been sold outright, and are the property of purchasers and their descendants forever, on the condition of paying said tax.
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The cluucli owns a commodious parsonage, conveniently situated on North Street.
Connected with this church is a scholarship in the Gener- al Theological Seminary at New York, founded by mem- bers of the Parish at an expense of |)2100. It is a perma- nent fund, and the income is devoted to the support of a student of divinity. After the death of the founders, the right of presentation to its benefits vests in the Rector of the Parish. Several persons have received its benefits, and it is intended to apply them to persons born and educated in this County, in preference to others, if there are such per- sons needing them. Tliree years is the usual and required term of incumbency.
The Church is furnished with a very fine organ, built by Goodrich at Boston, which cost about $600, and is a gift to the Parish from Madam Chandler Williams.
The society has thus far been prospered, and great har- mony has prevailed among the members thereof since its formation. There are now belonging to the church about seventy communicants.
DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS.
A number of gentlemen in this town have been greatly employed and honored in public life. Among these the Hon. W7?7. Williams deserves to be particularly mentioned. His father, of the same name, was pastor of the church in Weston ; and his grandfather, also of the same name, was pastor of the chureh in Hatfeld. In 1729 he was graduated at Harvard College — soon after which he settled as a mer- chant in Boston, where he became a member of the West church in that town. About 1744 he removed to Deerfield, and thence to this place in 1753. Upon his first coming here he lived in a house, used as a fort in the second French war, standing where Mr. Levi Goodrich now dwells, and then near the " Four corners," where Joseph Shearer, Esq. recently resided. In 1740, during the w^ar between Great Britain and
52
Spain, he went in the great but as it proved unfortunate ex- pedition ag-ainst the Spanisli West Indies. In what capaci- ty he entered the service is unknown, but while the forces from Great Britain and the Colonies were at Port Royal in Jamaica, he was honored with an ensign's commission in the regiment of foot commanded by Col. Wm. Gooch. In 1744, when France became united with Spain in this con- troversy, he was appointed Major of the forces in the ser- vice of g'overnment posted on the line of forts between Connecticut river and the river Hoosic — and in the course of that year Avas authorized to erect a fortification in Cole- raine. The next year he was made a Lieut. Colonel of the 8th regiment raised in Massachusetts for the expedition against Cape Breton. In 1758, (in the second French war,) he marched at the head of a regiment to Canada. In 1763 he was constituted colonel of the regiment of militia in the County of Berkshire ; and in 1771, when probably the regi- ment was divided, Colonel of the northern regiment in the County ; the southern it is understood being placed at that time under the command of his cousin. Col. Elijah Will- iams, then of West Stockbridge. When an attempt was made by forces from New York to drive off settlers from Egremont, under pretence that the town lay within the limits of that colony, he was active in repelling the inva- sion. How he discharged the various duties devolved upon him by these appointments, it may be difficult now precise- ly to ascertain. The appointments themselves are an hon- orable testimony to his abilities. According to tradition he possessed to a high degree the attributes of a good officer. The civil duties to which he was called were also numerous and important. In 1748, while living at Deerfield, he was made a justice of the peace for the County of Hampshire, an office which he probably retained after his removal to Pittsfield, until the formation of this Count}^ as Pittsfield belonged to the former County until that period. At tliat time he was appointed a Judge of the County Court for Berkshire, and upon the death of Gen. Joseph Dwight, in
53
1765, li!3 l)ecanic the piesiding- Judgi^ of tliis Court, and also Judge of Pio1)atc. The first office he held until 1781 : the second he gave up three years previous. For a long time he was the principal magistrate in the northein part of the County. His deatii occurred April 5th 17S4, at the age of seventy-five. In recommending him to the church in Pitts- field, the Rev. Jonathan Mayhew dcxlares, " that his life and conversation were as becomes a professor of the gos- pel." The Rev. Mr. Allen says, " he was a gentleman of liberal education and cultivated understanding, of great generosity, a friend of religious order and of the happiness of the town."
Charles Goodrich, Esq. came to this town in 1752, a year before Col. Williams, as has been stated, and lived for a time likewise in a house used as a fortification in the second French war, constructed of squared logs, and standing a lit- tle south-east of the dwelling-house of Mr. Hosea Merrill, Jr. ; though he spent most of his days in the dwelling near the " Four Corners," recently occupied by his son, the Rev. Charles Goodrich. He was the proprietor of several lots of land in the township ; and in 1761 he obtained a grant of the southern part of Hancock, probably with a view to the ac- commodation of some of his relatives. He was a member of the Provincial Congress which met at Concord April 12, 1774, and he repeatedly represented the town at the Gener- al Court. From 1774 till 1778, he was a Judge of the County Court. He died Nov. 16, 1816, aged ninety-six.
Col. Oliver Root was distinguished as a military man. In early life he served two campaigns in the second French war. He was a native of Westfield, and it is worthy of a passing notice, that in going onward to the north, he and others with him came to this town as is supposed, on the route now occupied by the Rail Road, having an Indian guide and also aid from marked trees. They encamped one night near the eastern line of the town in Dalton. He crossed Lake George under Gen. Abercrombie in his great
54
and imposing; flotilla of boats, in his approach to Ticonde- roga, and was in the disastrous battle which followed, under the walls of that fortress, where nearly 2000 men in the army of that unfortunate commander were either killed or wounded. Col. Root's services on the lines were principal- ly in the corps of rangers under Maj. Rodgers, an arduous situation for a youth of sixteen and seventeen years of age and full of temptations, but he had resolution, and through the blessing of God, strength to bear hardship, and principle to resist temptation. Integrity marked his conduct on his return.
In the early part of the Revolutionary war he bore a part in the capacity of a captain in the operations in the vicinity of New York, and was among the troops who marched into the city when it was evacuated by the British. He was at Bennington near the time of the battle, but for reasons which circumstances would doubtless satisfactorily explain, not in season to take a part in the action, and he afterwards had the satisfaction of witnessing the surrender of Gen. Bur- goyne at Saratoga. He was a Major under Col. Brown when that brave officer fell at Stone Arabia; succeeding to the command, he successfully conducted the retreat, and by his wisdom, saved the block-house and his men. Having only one brass piece and three cartridges of pow^der, he or- dered his men to break up their pots and kettles for balls, and by the firing of this single piece, so intimidated an overwhelming force while deliberating about an attack up- on the block-house, that they withdrew. That force the next day was overcome by Gen Van Rensellaer.
Col. Root was an acting magistrate ; and while he main- tained religious order in his family, was a constant at- tendant upon the worship of God. His death occurred May 2, 1826, at the age of eighty-five.
Woodbridge Little, Esq., a native of Lebanon, Ct., came here about 1766. He was the first gentleman who settled in the town as a lawyer. The inhabitants in several in- stances appointed him a representative to the General Court.
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He was a trustee and benefactor of Williams College, the Corporation of whirli havi; preserved (lie leading fac(s in his history in a marble tablet inserted in the wall of the College Chapel, on the left of the desk, over against the tablet of Col. Ephraini Williams on the right. " To the memory of the venerable Woodbridge Little, Esq. who was graduated at Yale College in 1760, v\^as early licensed to preach tiie gospel; afterwards became a distinguished law- yer and public benefactor; and died at Pittsfield, June 21, 1813, aged seventy two. Not satisfied with giving his prop- erty to Christ when he could no longer hold it himself, he presented to this College in his life time $2500, and at his death raised the sum to near $5100, for the education of pious and promising youth for the gospel ministry ; a char- ity which will extend an incalculable influence through ages that will never end."
Hon. Timothy Childs, M. D. entered Harvard College in 1764. Having studied physic with Dr. Thomas Williams, physician in Deerfield, his native town, he commenced practice here in 1771. In 1774 he took a commission in a company of minute men under the command of Capt. Da- vid Noble, and upon the news of the battle of Lexington went with this company to Boston, where he was soon after appointed a surgeon of the army. In 1777 he left the army and resumed his practice in this town, in which he continu- ed until within less than a week of his death, Feb. 20, 1821, at the age of seventy-three. He was repeatedly a member of the General Court in both branches — a member of the Medical Society of the State, and president of the District Society.
Col. John B7'ownwas probably born in Brimfield or Gran- ville, as his parents removed to those towns from Woodstock, Ct. before they settled in Sandisfield, where he spent his early youth. After graduating at Yale College in 1771, he studied law with Oliver Arnold in Providence, and com- menced the practice at Caughnawaga, now Johnstown, N.
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York, and was appointed King's Attorney. Here he be- came acquainted with Sir John Johnson, through whose wickedness he and numbers under him were afterwards massacred. About 1773 he moved to Pittsfield, where there was no lawyer excepting Mr. Little. Excited by the ag- gressions of Great Britain, now beginning to be deeply felt in the Colonies, he resolved to hazard every thing for the welfare of his country. Bold and prudent, and having a fine personal appearance, he was selected by the State Committee of correspondence in 1774, for the hazardous enterprize of going to Canada to induce the people of that province to unite with the inhabitants of the States against the mother country. His pretence was the purchase of horses ; but the Canadians remarked, that he was a singu- lar jockey, for the horses never suited him. Once indeed the house in whicli he lodged, was^ assailed ; but he made his escape. He was delegate to the Provincial Congress, Feb. 15, 1775. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, Capts. Edward Mott and Noah Phelps of Hartford, Ct. with others, formed the purpose of taking Ticonderoga and Crown Point by surprise. They marched privately April 29, with sixteen unarmed men. Arriving at Pittsfield, they commu- nicated the project to Mr. Brown and Col. James Easton ; a post having been sent to Col. Ethan Allen, in Vt. These gentlemen immediately engaged to co-operate, and to raise men for the purpose. Of the Berkshire men and the Green Mountain boys 230 were collected under the command of Allen, and proceeded to Caslleton. Here they were unex- pectedly joined by Col. Arnold, who had been commission- ed by the Massachusetts Committee to raise 400 men and effect the same object, which was now about to be accom- plished. As he had not raised the men, he was admitted only to act as an assistant to Col. Allen. They reached the lake opposite Ticonderoga on Tuesday evening May 9, 1775, and the next day Ticonderoga was taken, and a day or two after, Crown Point ; soon a sloop of war, which made Allen and his brave party complete masters of lake Cham- plain. Mr. Brown was intrusted with the business of
57
conveying away the prisoners, and was also sent as express to the General Congress at Philadelphia, where he arrived May 17th. In Jidy he and Allen were despatched through the woods into Canada to assure the Canadians, that their religion and liberties should not be impaired by the ap- proaching anny. On the 24th of Sept. he took Fort Cham- blee. The next day Allen, who expected the co-o})eration of Brown, marched upon Montreal, but was attacked Ijy a superior force and taken prisoner. As this was an expedi- tion unauthorized by any higher authority, Allen was treat- ed with great severity.
While Arnold was before Quebec, Brown, then a Major, arrived from Sorrel and joined him : Montgomery had ar- rived two days before. In the attack on Quebec, Dec. 31, Major Brown with a part of a regiment of Boston troops was directed to co-operate by making a false attack upon the walls to the south of St. John's gate, and to set fire to the gate with combustibles prepared for the purpose. He executed his part in the enterprize : Col. Livingston, owing to the depth of the snow, failed in his. In this assault Montgomery fell. The Congress, Aug. 1, 1776, voted him a commission of Lieut. Colonel, with rank and pay in the continental array from Nov. 1775. In Dec. 1776 he con- ducted a regiment of militia to Fort Independence. After the defeat of Col. Baum at Bennington, in 1777, he was despatched by Gen. Lincoln from Paulet to the north end of Lake George with 500 men to relieve our prisoners. By marching all night he attacked the enemy at break of day Sept. 17th, at the landing three miles from Ticonderoga ; set at liberty 100 of our men ; made prisoners of 293 ; took the landing, Mount Defiance, Mount Hope, the English lines, and the block-house ; 200 batteaux, an armed sloop, sever- al gun-boats, a few cannon, and a vast quantity of plunder. His letter to Gen. Gates Sept. 18, describes his success, which tended to raise the spirit of the troops and to excite the militia to join their brethren. After this exploit he joined the main army. In the next month Burgoyne was captured.
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Soon after this event Col, Brown retired from the service on account of his detestation of Arnold. In the campaign in Canada in 1776, he had become acquainted with his char- acter ; and it is remarkable, that at this period, three years before the treason of Arnold, he published a handbill of thirteen or fourteen articles against him, in the height of his fame, charging him with levying contiibutions on the Canadians for his own private use and benefit. He said that Arnold would prove a traitor, for he had sold many a life for money. The people of La Prairie had submitted on the promise of good quarters ; but their village was plundered and burnt and lives were destroyed. After this Col. Brown was occasionally employed in the Massachusetts service. He was chosen a member of the General Court in 1778.
In the fall of 1780 he marched up the Mohawk, it is un- derstood, for the relief of fort Schuyler, (at Utica) endan- gered by the invasion of Sir John Johnson and Brandt, with their horde of regulars, tories and Indians, who were carry- ing war and desolation among the settlements eastward on that river. Brandt had already desolated the settements south of the Mohawk, and Sir John was engaged in the work of ruin on the north of it. Col. Brown advanced as far as the small palisade fort at Stone Arabia in Palatine, where he had under him, 130 men. Apprised about this time of the proceedings of the enemy, Gen. Van Renssel- aer collected the militia of Claverack and Schenectady, and proceeded as far as Caughnawaga. From this place he Avrote to Col. Brown to turn out and check the advance of the enemy, and he would support him from the rear ; in at- tempting to execute this order he was led by a traitor into an ambuscade of Johnson's men, before whom he fell, fight- ing manfully at the head of his little band, on his birth day, Oct. 19 , 1780, aged thirty-six years. Forty-five of his men, many of whom marched from Berkshire the week before, were also killed. The rest unable to oppose a much larger force retreated. The next day Gen. Van Rensselaer, who, owing to some delay, had failed of supporting Brown, ob-
59
tained a victory over this force at Fox's mills, a few miles distant.
When Johnson fonnd that liis former friend was slain, it is said his savage heart for a moment relented, and that he gave way to the emotion of grief.
The death of Col. Brown, in such a manner, is one of the mysterious events of Providence. Few if any in the county had such prospects of distinction and honor in life.
Col. Brown left a widow, (late wife of Capt. Jared In- gersoll) and four cliildren, two daughters and two sons. The daughters married Wm. Butler, printer, Northampton* and Dr. Hooker of Rutland, Vt. The youngest son, Maj. Henry C. Brown, was for a long time the Sheriff of the County.
Col. Simon Lamed, a native of Thompson, Ct., came to tliis town in 1784, and engaged in the business of merchan- dize. He was for many years Sheriff of the County, and in one instance, represented this district in the Congress of the United States. Before settling here he was an officer of merit in the Revolutionary war — and upon the commence- ment of the late war with Great Britain, he was appointed Colonel of the 9th regiment of United States infantry, and remained in the service until the war was closed. He died Nov. 16, 1817, aged sixty-one.
The Rev. Sylvester Lamed, son of the preceding, minis- ter of the first Presbyterian church in the city of New Or- leans, was greatly distinguished for talents and moving elo- quence. He entered Williams College at an early age, but soon left that institution and unitedhimself with the college in Middlebury, where he was graduated with a high repu- tation as a scholar in l8l3. In the last year of his college life he became the hopeful subject of grace. Having stud- ied theology for a time at Andover and then at Princeton, he was licensed to preach the gospel in 1817. Wherever he went preaching, a high popularity followed him — and efforts were made to secure him as pastor by churches in
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Boston, Baltimore and Alexandria. In Jan. iSlS he visited New Orleans, where he united in accomplishing- the plan, which Mr. Cornelius had started a few weeks before, of forming- a Presbyterian congregation in that place. The work was soon done, and he became the pastor. In the fol- lowing summer he visited New England, and procured ma- terials for the erection of a church, the corner stone of which was laid Jan. 8, 1819. But he was not suffered long to live to exert a blessed influence in the great emporium of the west. He fell a victim of the yellow fever Aug. 31, 1820, aged 24. Few men in our country ever attained so soon to equal celebrity, and promised so much usefulness to the church. His widow, Sarah Wyer, of Ncwburyport, died at the city of Washington, Jan. 20, 1825, aged twenty-five.
Gen. Charles Lamed, an elder brother of Sylvester, died at Detroit on the 13th of Sept. 1834, in the forty-third year of his age. He also entered Williams College at an early pe- riod, where he industriously pursued his classical studies. On leaving college he studied law with the Hon. Jno. Hunt, then of Stockbridge, about two years. He then went to Lexington, Ky., with a view of pursuing his studies, but was soon made, first a Lieutenant and then Adjutant, in a regiment of volunteers, under the command of Col. Owen. The regiment joined the army on the frontiers in Aug. 1813, and participated in most of the events of the northwestern campaign. Lieut. Larried was present with it at the battle of the Moravian Towns on the Thames, and at different pe- riods was despatched with small bodies of men to protect the terrified inhabitants, and to quiet the fears of the de- fenceless women and children in the interior, every where exhibiting the utmost coolness and intrepidity. He remain- ed attached to the army till some time in the year 1814, when he resigned his commission to devote himself to the practice of law in Detroit. In Dec. on the re-organization of the government, he was appointed by Gov. Cass, Attor- ney General of the Territory of Michigan, an office which
61
he held np to the year 1S2-, when he resigned. Subse- quently he was appointed to other offices civil and military; he became a Brig. General of militia. He stood very high at the Michigan bar, as an able and elo((uent advocate. He was a liberal supporter of religious institutions, a friend and successful promoter of the temperance reformation, a patron of (niterprizing youth, striving to rise in the world by- personal and commendable exertions — faithful and happy in the duties of domestic and relative life.
Solomon Metculf Allen, son of the first minister of this town, a particular friend and classmate of Sylvester Ear- ned, was destined by his father to be a farmer, being athletic and fond of active life ; but after he became pious, his friends wishing that he should receive a collegiate education, he commenced the study of Latin at the age of twenty. At college he was distinguished among his fellows in the ac- quisition of knowledge. During a year spent at Andover, besides attending to the customary studies, he read a part of the New Testament in the Syriac language. After offi- ciating for two years as tutor, he was chosen in 1816, profes- sor of the ancient languages, having risen to this honor in sev- en 3'ears after commencing the study of Latin. But he W'as hardly permitted to enter upon the duties of this professor- ship. Induced, on account of a defect in the chimney, to go imprudently upon the roof of the college building, he fell from it Sept. 23d, 1817, aged twenty-eight years. In his last hours his numerous friends crowded around him, *' watching with trembling anxiety the flight of his immor- tal soul to the kindred spirits of a better world." " Under the extreme anguish of his dying moments, resigning the loveliness, which he had hoped would be shortly his own, and all the fair prospects of this world, he exclaimed — * The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice ! 0 Father, thy will be done ! So seemeth it good in thy sight, 0 Lord.' " Professor Allen was a sound and thorough scholar.
Allen S. Lamed, Alexander M. Fisher, Levi Parsons,
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Pliny Fisk and Joseph R. Andrus, students at Andover, are alluded to by Carlos Wilcox in the following lines :
" Ye were a group of stars collected here,
Some mildly glowing, some sparkling bright ;
Here rising in a region calm and clear,
Ye shone a while with intermingled light;
Then parting, each pursuing his own flight
O'er the wide hemisphere, ye singly shone;
But, ere ye climed to half your promised height,
Ye sunk again with brightening glory round you thrown,
Each left a brilliant track, as each expired alone."
The Hon. Chandler Williams was a native of Roxbury and g-raduate of Harvard College, 1777. He w^as admitted to the bar, it is understood in this County, about 1783 or 4. From 1794 until 1799 he represented the town at the Gen- eral Court. He represented it again in 1800, and was a member of the Governor's Council in 1817, and 1818.
Mr. Thomas Gold was the son of Rev. Hezekiah Gold of Cornwall, Ct. While a member of Yale College, for six or seven months in 1777, he was secretary to Gen. Putnam at the Highlands in New York. After graduating in 1778 he studied law, and in 1792 came to this place. Besides filling town offices, he was president of the Agricultural Bank and of the Berkshire Agricultural Society.
The Hon. John W. Hulbert, a native of Alford, was ad- mitted to the bar in 1794. He practiced law here for sev- eral years, and was a member of Congress from 1815, to 1817. The latter part of his life he practiced law in Au- burn, New York.
Col. Samuel M. McKay "was much esteemed for his so- cial qualities, his liberality to the poor and unfortunate, and his efforts to promote and extend the prosperity of the town. He enjoyed the confidence of the people, and they bestow- ed upon him the highest offices in their gift, at various times : at the time of his decease he was one of the repre'
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sentatives in the State Legislature." He died of a consimip- tioii Oct. 6lh. 1834, aged thirty-eiglit.
" Col. Joshua Danforth^''^ to use the language of the Rev. Dr. Brinsmade, in the sermon preached at his fu- neral, "was born in Western, [now Warren,] Massachu- setts, November 26th, 1759. He was the son of Jona- than Danforth, an oflicer in the Revolutionary War, who acted a conspicuous part as commander of a Batti\lion at the Battle of Bennington. It was the intention of his father, in early life, to give this son a liberal education, and he was qualifying himself to enter College when the Revolutionary struggle commenced. It was then, wlien the note of war was sounded and the veteran troops of England were pouring in upon our territories, that, at the age of fifteen years, he entered the army in the capacity of clerk in his father's company. After having served several months in this office, at the same time discharging the duties of Surgeon's mate, he received, at the age of sixteen, an En- sign's commission. From this post he was promoted, and in 1778 raised to the rank of first Lieutenant, in which office he continued until 1781, when he was appointed Paymaster, with the rank of Captain. His first active services were performed at Roxbury, in June, 1775, at the time the British were throwing bombs into that place. When Gen. Wash- ington had ordered the army to remove from the place, and the last regiment had left the encampment, it was ascertain- ed that a part of the baggage had been left behind, and a detachment of men, under the command of Mr. Danforth, was ordered to go and secure it, which was done at great hazard. He remained in that vicinity until March 17, 1776, when, with the main body of the American army under Washington, he marched into Boston, as the rear of the British aimy left that town. He was in Boston until the following summer, and there in July heard for the first time the Declaration of Independence read to the army, which was called out for that purpose. Soon after this he went to Ticonderoga, and was at the surrender of Burgoyne in 1777. Immediately after this event, the Brigade to which he^ hplnnorpid was ordered to New-Jersey, and thence to
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White Marsh ; and on the 19th of December the army took up their winter quarters at Valley Forge, about twenty miles from Philadelphia, which was then in possession of the British. It was on this march, the historian tells us that " through want of shoes and stockings, over the hard frozen ground, the army might be tracked from White Marsh to Valley Forge, by the blood from their feet." Col. Dan- forth has been heard to say that the sufferings of the army fiom want of food and shelter, that winter, were incredible. In 1778 he was in the Battle of Monmouth, and the Au- gust following he went to Rhode Island. He spent the principal part of the year 1780 at West point and its vicin- ity. In 1781 he had command, for some months, of a post a few miles from the Hudson, near Tappan's Bay, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. The army was disbanded in 1783, but Col. Danforth was continued in the service as Paymaster, to assist in the settlement of the accounts with the soldiers, and was not discharged until the year following. In May, 1784, after having visited the paternal home, he removed to Pittsfield, and engaged in mercantile business, in company with Col. Simon Lained. In 1786 he visited a number of the towns in this vicinity, in company with the late Judge Sedgwick, and united his efforts with that gentleman to allay the excitement existing in this County occasioned by Shay's rebellion. In 1787 he was appointed Aid-de-Camp to Major General Patterson; the same year he received his first commission as a Justice of the Peace from John Hancock, and for a long time he was one of the acting magistrates of the town. In 1794 the Post-Office was established in this town, and Col. Danforth was appointed Post-Master. He retained this ap- pointment until his death, Jan. 30, 1837, a period of 23 years. From about 1794 to 1823 he held successively the offices of Town Clerk, Treasurer, Selectman, and Assessor. In 1801, '2 and '3 and in 1806 and '8, he was Representa- tive to the Legislature. In 1807, he was appointed Asso- ciate Justice of the Court of Sessions of this County, and in 1808 Chief Justice of the same Court. He received from
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Mr. Madison the appointment of United States Marshal for tliis District, and also that of Principal Assessor, and Collector of the Revenue, for the 18th District in Massachu- setts. In 1827 and '8, he was elected a member of the Governor's Council. Besides these pul)lic offices, which show the estimate placed upon his talents and integrity by those who knew him best, he did, during- his residence of more than half a century in this town, ever manifest a deep interest in the welfare of this people, and give his time and influence to promote their happiness. He was distinguished for accuracy in the discharge of the various services in which he was engaged; was kind and faithful in all social and relative duties ; remarkably constant and attentive in the public worship of God.
Maj. Henry Clinton Brown, already mentioned as the younger son of Col. John Brown, possessed, like his father a fine personal appearance. Bred a merchant, he entered into mercantile business in Williamstown. Being appointed Sheriff in 1812, he removed to Pittsfield, where he spent his subsequent days. He died in office, May 22, 1838, aged fifty-nine. He was distinguished for loveliness of temper and gentlemanly manners — was kind, generous, faithful as an officer, and exemplary as a Christian.
The preceding sketches, among other things, show that the inhabitants of this town, considering their number, have had no inconsiderable share in the privations, hardships and achievements, arising out of the wars by which the country has been agitated. They were alive to their rights and wants, and to the rights and wants of others around them. As testimony to these facts, and some illustration of the spirit of the times, some additional statements and facts will be now given.*
The settlement commenced a little before the second French war, during which, for the most part, the people were protected by four fortified houses. A garrison was
*See Appendix, Note E.
9
66
stationed here by order of the government of Massachusetts. In this war it is not likely many individuals were called abroad into the public service : they were too much exposed at home. Col. William Williams, however, as remarked on a previous page, in 1758 marched to the northward, at the head of a regiment. Ezekiel Root w^as with him, l)ut in what capacity is not known to tlie writer ; perhaps some others were. Oliver Root was a soldier in the same war, but at the time belonged to Westfield.
The scenes of this war were fresh in the remembrance of the people when the Revolulionary war drew on, and doubt- less served to prepare them for the part they took in the long-continued and arduous struggle for independence. In January, 1774, the town encouraged the enlistment of min- ute or piquet men into a company then forming under Capt. David Noble, by promising to them a certain portion of wages. This company was attached to a regiment made up of similar companies, and placed under the command of Colonel, afterwards Gen. John Patterson, of Lenox. This regiment was marched to Cambridge, immediately after the battle of Lexington, and was re-organized and enlarged. This was employed for a time in services about Boston, afterwards in services in Canada, and was engaged in the exploits at Princeton, Trenton and Saratoga. Very soon after the departure of Noble's company for Cambridge, Col. James Easton and John Brown, Esq. entered into the fa- mous enterprize which had been started at Hartford, against Ticonderoga. Easton, being Colonel of the northern regi- ment of militia in this County, undertook to enlist volunleers for the expedition, and actually engaged from forty to fifty before his arrival at Bennington, of whom a considerable number were probably from this place. Others seem to have followed on afterwards, for there were seventy men from Massachasetts. Col. Easton was the second in com- mand. The conspicuous part which the Rev. Thomas Allen acted in the battle of Bennington, with a portion of his people and other reinforcements from Berkshire, has been stated. Some from this town are understood to have been engaged with Col. Brown in his exploits at the carrying-
67
place at Ticonderoga : more wore with him probably when he fell at Stone Arabia.
It would be interesting to give the number and names of those who actually enlisted into Capt. Noble's company ; of those also who were present at the taking of Ticonderoga, at the battle of Bennington, and with Col. Brown, at the carrying-place near Ticonderoga, and at Stone Aral)ia, were it practicable : also a statement of the number and names of those who served their country through the Revolution- ary War, and of any, wlio, while in that service, died of sickness or of wounds. Cannot their descendants furnish these facts, and cause them to be preserved, for the instruc- tion and benefit of posterity 1
As early as June, 1774, a standing committee of safety and correspondence was appointed in this place, to corres- pond with similar committees in this and other provinces : at which time the people voted to enter into a covenant of mutual defence with other towns in Massachusetts, and to adopt literally a covenant which had been drafted at Wor- cester. This committee was succeeded by another, ap- pointed in Dec. 1775. The latter committee in March, 1776, applied to the town for direction how to recover pay for handling persons suspected of being inimical to their country. The case demanded special directions. The ap- plication called forth speedily the following resolves, which merit insertion as evincive of the spirit prevalent at that time.
" Voted, 1st. That this town determine that said commit- tee, consisting or having consisted of who they may, are one and the same from their first appointment to this day, and that all their transactions and determinations ought to be considered as an adjomned court. Consequently, all mat- ters and things that have not been finally determined, shall have day with them ; and that if there be any matters and things before them that are not yet determined upon, they, the committee, as it now stands, have as full power and authority to act upon as ever they had ; and if any persons have upon trial appeared inimical to their country, or here-
68
after on trial shall appear so, they are hereby empowered, so far as our united influence can support them, to tax such persons for their time therein expended on trial, and for all other necessary charges ; and on refusal, to be committed to the common gaol, or be otherwise confined till paid, and in all other respects to deal with them as to punishment, according- to the direction of the Continental Congress, Pro- vincial Congress, or General Assembly.
" Voted, 2d. That if said committee shall apprehend any person or persons, and convene before them, whom they suspect to be inimical to their country, or to be guilty of any other misdemeanors, and upon trial are found innocent, in that case the said committee have no pay for their time and cost.
" Voted, 3d. That if any complaint shall be brought before the said committee by any person or persons, and if any complaint so brought be supported, then the offender be ordered by the said committee to pay said costs ; and if the offender shall refuse to comply in paying costs, then the offender shall be ordered to confinement in the common gaol or elsewhere, until he comply and pay the cost, to- gether with the confinement, with the charges thereof; and in case any complainant shall not support his com- plaint, said complainant shall be holden to pay all costs> and on his refusal, shall be holden and committed as aforesaid."
In Aug.ofthe firstyear just mentioned, (1774,) the people were alarmed by " two acts of the British Parliament, for superseding the charter of" Massachusetts, "and vacating some of the principal and invaluable privileges and franchises therein contained, which had passed the Royal assent, and been published in the Boston papers, that obedience might be yielded to them." It was deemed " of the greatest im- portance to the well-being of" Massachusetts, " that the people of it should utterly refuse the least submission to said acts," and that "the courts of justice should immediately cease." To secure their cessation, they addiessed a peti- tion to the justices of his Majesty's inferior Court of Com-
69
mon Pleas for the county. The precise effect of the peti- tion is unknown ; but it is a matter of fact that judicial pro- ceedings were sfa3a^d in the county from 1774 till 1780.
During- the suspension of the courts it was necessary that special care should be taken to preserve order. The gen- eral principles regulating civil society, which had l)efore been introduced by public law, were considered as virtually now in force. They furnished rules of procedure in most cases for committees, appointed from time to time to look to the public welfare.
Besides the men in Noble's company, engaged in the services above specified, the people furnished quotas of men from time to time for the continental service. Their sympathy for their friends and neighbors in the army, and their zeal in enlisting men, appear strikingly in the follow- ing votes :
March 30, 1778, it was voted by the town, ^Hhat money sufficient to purchase thirty-two shirts, thirty-two pair of stockings and tliiriy-two pair of shoes, for the use of the sol- diers now in the continental army, from this town, be made into a tax; said money to be raised immediately, in the same method that the othex town taxes have been laid this year.^^
In May following, it was voted, " that the commissioned officers be empowe-^-ed to promise 180Z. to six able bodied men, to serve in the continental army the term of nine months"
On the 20th of December, 1780, the town accepted the following report of a committee appointed to devise meas- ures for raising sixteen continental soldiers: ^' that the town choose two thorough men to act as a committee to hire sixteen men ; and to obligate themselves, on the credit of the town, to pay each man the sum of 30/. in hard money, over and above State and Continental pay and rewards, within three weeks ; or otherwise to pay such persons to their acceptance and satis- faction.^'
The precise course w4iich the people took in the Shays' war, the writer is unable to state ; though it is understood they were very generally on the side ofgovernment. The ef- forts of Rev. Thomas Allen and Col. Danforth have been men-
70
tioned in the preceding sketches of their lives. In suppress- ing this rebellion, Gen. Lincoln had for a time his head quar- ters here.
In the late war with Great Britain, Col. Simon Lamed commanded a regiment. For a notice of the services of some of the sons of Rev. Thomas Allen, in this war, the reader is referred to the account already given of him.
Much was done by the first settlers of this town and their immediate descendants, to promote the cause of liberty, and to secure the best interests of man. Great were their sacrifi- ces ! But they are gone to the grave. The number of those who remember them is continually diminishing. Every man will draw after them, as there have been innumerable befoie them.* Happy are they who serve God and their generation faithfully by his will.
• See Appendix, Note F.
APPENDIX.
NOTE A.
In May 1812, Maj. Gen. Dearborn purchased a lot of about 13 acres, (on which the buildings of the Young Ladies' Institute now stand, for the site of a cantonment ; and also another lot of one acre with a house thereon near by, as a residence for the person to be charged with the superintendence of the establishment. On the first mentioned lot, two buildings for barracks and one for officers' quarters, with piazzas in front, and another for an hospital, all two stories, were immediately erected by Maj. Thomas Melville, as Quar- ter-Master and Agent of Gen. Dearborn : two buildings were likewise erect- ed for stores and a guard-house. Towards the close of the year a further purchase was made of about seven acres of land immediately adjoining for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings for the accommodation of a regi- ment of cavalry. Most of the troops stationed here having been with- drawn to the lines it was deemed expedient the succeeding year to establish a depot of prisoners of war on the cantonment : in consequence of which two buildings which had been erected for stables, (each 200 feet long) and one of the infantry barracks, were arranged for the safe keeping of prisoners, and continued to be so used until peace took place. For a time there were 5 or 600 prisoners here, requiring a strong guard. Among these were many officers. Gen. Rial and others. The prisoners were sent from this place to Montreal.
The cantonment ground with the privileges and appurtenances thereof be- ing unnecessary for the purposes of the Government in a time of peace, were sold at auction in Dec. 1S26.
The town of Pittsfield, and indeed the county of Berkshire, is said to have derived great benefit, in a pecuniary point of view, from the location of this military establishment, not only by reason of the disbursement of large sums of money for the erection of buildings, the pay of the troops, transportation of military stores, and the supplies of the soldiers and prisoners ; but also from its having been made the means of affording encouragement to manu- factures, es])ecially those of woollens for the use of the army. To this may be ascribed in a great measure the establishment of woollen manufactures in the County.
72
NOTE B.
The death of Charles Baker, Esq., formerly a teacher in this school, is too affecting to pass unnoticed. This occurred at Conway, his native town, where he had been on a visit to his friends. May 29th, 1829, in the 31st year of his age. He had taken a seat in the stage for Pittsfield. A violent thun- der shower coming up as the stage was stopping at the post-office, Mr. Baker got out and went in, and was struck down dead by lightning in an instant. Oliver Warner of Phelps, Y. Y., who was standing near, was killed also. A gentleman sitting between them, who adopted the precaution suggested by Dr. Franklin, of putting his feet upon the rounds of his chair, escaped un- hurt. Mr. Baker had practiced law in Williamstown some years before com- ing to this place.
NOTE C.
It has appeared in the foregoing history that many from other places who have settled in the town, were collegiately educated. The proportional num- ber of natives educated at Williams College, suggest? the influence of that institution in advancing education in this section of the commonwealth.
JVatives of Pittsfield who have received a Collegiate Educatioyi.
Thomas Allen, Jr. William P. White. William Stoddard. Judah A. Lee, Thomas B. Strong, David W. Childs, Perry G. Childs, Charles Goodrich, Jr. Henry H. Childs, William Allen, Jashub B. Luce, Thomas A. Gold, Timothy Childs, Sylvester Larned, Solomon M. Allen, Charles Larned. Joshua N. Danforth, Charles Dillingham, George W. Campbell, Henry K. Strong, James D. Colt, 1st. Samuel A. Allen,
H. 1789
W. 1799
Y. 1800
W. 1800
W. 1800
Y. 1797
W 1S02
H. 1802
W. 1804
W. 1806
W. 1811
W. 1S13
D. 1813
W.
w. u.
1818 1819 1820
U. 1821 TJ. W. 1825
Nathan Willis, H.
James K. Kellogg, U.
George W. Francis, U.
Samuel D. Colt, W. 1829
Jesse W. Goodrich, U. 1829
Israel Dickinson, W. 1830
David White, W. 1S31
Butler Goodrich, U. 1832
Charles E. West, U. 1832
Thomas Allen, U. 1832
William G. Weston, W. 1832
Hubbard Beebe, W. 1833
James D. Colt, 2d. W. 1838
William W. Edwards, W. 1838
Joseph M. Bush, W. 1838
Calvin G. Martin, W. 1839
James M. Burt, W. 1840
Timothy Childs, W. 1841
Thomas Colt, W. 1842
Lemuel B. Gay, W. 1843
William Allen, U. 1844
James C. Clapp, W. 1S44
73
|
Physicians in |
Pitt |
'sfichl. |
|||
|
Birtli Place. |
Birth Place. |
||||
|
Timothy Childs,* |
Decrfield. |
Orrin Wright. |
|||
|
Jonathan Lee.* |
Rcnni't + |
||||
|
iji^mid. 1 |
|||||
|
William Kiltredge.* |
Gunn.f |
||||
|
Gilbert Jennie, t |
Joh |
n P. Bachelder, |
M. D.j |
||
|
Daniel James. f |
Job |
n De Lamatter, |
M. D.1 |
||
|
04 , t I X |
William Coleman, |
J |
Amherst. |
||
|
oiui levant. I |
|||||
|
Horatio Jones. f • ■ |
Stockbridge, |
Oliver S. Root, M. ; |
D. Pittsfield. |
||
|
H. H. Childs, M. D. |
Pittsfield. |
Robert Campbell, M. D. |
do. |
||
|
Enoch Pierce, |
Peru. |
Joh |
n M. Brewster, |
Becket. |
|
|
John James, M. D.f |
Willard Clough. |
Vt. |
|||
|
Ira Wright.f |
Oliver E. Brewster, |
Becket. |
|||
|
As for the Colleges where any of these |
physicians have |
; been classically |
|||
|
educated, see preceding catalogue and the p |
receding history |
||||
|
* Deceased. |
t Removed. |
||||
|
Lawyers. |
|||||
|
Birth Place. |
Educated. |
Ad. to the Bar. |
|||
|
Woodbridge Little,* |
Lebanon, |
Y. 1760 |
about |
1770 |
|
|
John Brown,* |
Sandisfield, |
Y. 1771 |
do |
1773 |
|
|
Ashbel Strong,* |
N. Marlborough, |
Y. 177G |
do |
1774 |
|
|
John C. Williams, |
Roxbury, |
H. 1777 |
do |
1773-4 |
|
|
Thomas Gold,* |
Cornwall, Ct. |
Y. 1778 |
do |
do |
|
|
Thomas Allen,* |
Pittsfield, |
H. 17S9 |
do |
1792 |
|
|
John W. Hurlbut,t |
Alford, |
do |
1794 |
||
|
Ezekiel Bacon, f |
Stockbridge, |
Y. 1794 |
1798 |
||
|
Thomas B. Strong, |
N. Marlboro' |
Y. 1797 |
1800 |
||
|
Henry Hubbard, |
Sheffield, |
W. |
1806 |
||
|
Luther Washburn,* |
Hardwick, |
1807 |
|||
|
Moses Heyden,t |
Conway, |
W. 1S04 |
1808 |
||
|
Thomas A. Gold, |
Pittsfield, |
W. 1806 |
1809 |
||
|
Jashub B. Luce,* |
do |
W. |
do |
||
|
Chauncey Hurlbut,t |
Alford, |
do |
|||
|
David Perry, Jun.f |
Rehoboth, |
do |
|||
|
John Hooker,t |
Springfield, |
do |
|||
|
Fordyce Merrick, |
Pittsfield, |
1811 |
|||
|
William C. Jarvis,t |
Boston, |
do |
|||
|
Reynold M. Kirby,t |
Litchfield, C |
onn. |
do |
||
|
Henry W. Taylor, |
Pittsfield, |
1812 |
|||
|
Wolcott Lawrence, |
Washington, |
do |
|||
|
Daniel B. Bush, |
Pittsfield, |
1814 |
|||
|
Calvin Martin, |
Hancock, |
do |
|||
|
George N. Briggs,t |
Adams, |
||||
|
* Died in 1 |
town. |
t Removed. |
|||
|
t Gov. Briggs moved to this |
1 place from Lanei |
sboro |
ugh a few years since. |
10
|
Educated. |
Ad. |
tn the Bar. |
|
W. 1810 |
1817 do |
|
|
Y. 1815 |
18-20 |
|
|
W. 1S18 |
1S22 |
|
|
Y. 1S26 |
74
Birth place. John Porter, t Dalton,
Matthias R. Lanckton,Pittsfield, Josiah Hooker, t Springfield,
Parker L, Hall, Pownal, Vt.
Hon. Julius Rockwell, Colebrook, Ct. Ensign H. Kellogg, Sheffield.
James D. Colt, Pittsfield, W. 1838
Thomas C. Rodgers, New Orleans, Lou. Elias D. Merwin, Troy, N. Y.
NOTE D.
Two Letters of Rev. Thomas Allen to Gen. Sefh Pomeroy.
Pittsfield, May 4th, 177.5. Gejv. Pomeroy : — Sir :
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that a number of gentlemen from Connecticut, went from this place last Tuesday morning having been joined by Col. Easton, Capt. Dickinson and Mr. Brown, with 40 soldiers, on an ex- pedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; expecting to be reinforced by a thousand men from the Grants above here ; a post having previously ta- ken his departure to inform Col. Ethan Allen of the design and desiring him to hold his Green Mountain Boys in actual readiness. The expedition has been carried on with the utmost secrecy, as they are in hopes of taking those forts by surprise. We expect they will reach those forts by Saturday next, or Lord's day at farthest. The plan was concerted at Hartford last Saturday , by the Governor and Council, Col. Hancock, Mr. Adams and others from our Province being present. £300 was drawn immediately out of the Treasury for the aforesaid purpose, and committed to those gentlemen who were here. We earnestly pray for success in this important expedition as the taking those places would afford us a key to all Canada. There is, if the accounts are to be depended on, not more than 20 soldiers at each fort, and there is a large number of cannon, and I hear four as excellent brass cannon as we could wish. Should success attend this expedition we expect a strong reinforce- ment will be sent from the western part of Connecticut to keep those forts and to repair and fortify them well. We have had much work here of late with the Tories. A dark plot has been discovered of sending names down to Gen. Gage, in consequence of which, and the critical situation of this town, we have been obliged to act with vigor, and have sent Mr. Jones and Graves to Northampton Gaol, where they now lie in close confinement ; and have sent a hue and cry after Major S. and Mr. L., who have fled to New York for shelter. We hope it will not be long before they are taken into custody and committed to close confinement. Our Tories are the worst in the Province : all the effect the late and present oj:)erations have had upon them is, they are mute and pensive, and secretly wish for more prosperous days to Toryism.
75
As to your important operations, Sir, you have the fervent prayers of all good men that success may attend them. I hope God will inspire you with wisdom from above in all your deliberations, and your soldiers with courage and fortitude, and that Boston will be speedily delivered into your hands, the General thereof, and all the King's troops, that den of thieves, that nest of robbers, that asylum for traitors and murderers may be broken up, and never another red coat from England set foot on these shores. I have been concerned lest General Gage should spread the small pox in your army. May Heaven protect your army from his wicked wiles. May you be shield- ed, Sir, in the day of battle, and obtain a complete victory over these enemies of God and mankind. I have but one observation to make which I have of- ten made upon the histories I have read, and then I must put an end to this tedious epistle : it is this — Seldom or never do the greatest Generals duly improve a victory when it is obtained.
I am. Sir, with great respect, Your obedient, humble Servant,
THOMAS ALLEN.
PiTTsFiELD, May Uth, 1775.
Gen. Pomeroy : — Sir :
I shall esteem it a great happiness if I can communicate any intelligence to you. Sir, that shall be of any service to my country. In my last I wrote to you of the northern expedition. Before the week ends, we are in raised hopes, here, of hearing that Ticonderoga and Crown Point are in other hands. Whether the expedition fails or succeeds I will send you the most early in- telligence, as I look on it as an affair of great importance. Solomon, the Indian King, at Stockbridge, was lately at Col. Eastons, of this town, and said there that the Mohawks had not only gave liberty to the Stockbridge In- dians to join us, but had sent them a belt denoting that they would hold in readiness 500 men, to join us immediately on'the first notice, and that the said Solomon holds an Indian post in actual readiness to run with the news as soon as they shall be wanted. Should the Council of War judge it neces- sary to send to them after being better informed of the matter by Capt. Good- rich now in the service ; if you should issue out your orders to Col. Easton, I make no doubt that he would bring them down soon. Those Indians might be of great service, should the King's troops march out of Boston, as some think they undoubtedly will upon the arrival of their recruits, and give no battle.
Our Militia, this way. Sir, are vigourously preparing for actual readiness ; adjacent towns and this town are buying arms and ammunition : there is a plenty of arms to be sold at Albany, as yet, but we hear by order of the Major, &c., no powder is to be sold for the present there. The spirit of liberty runs high there, as you have doubtless heard by their post to our head quarters. I have exerted myself to disseminate the same spirit in King's District, which has of late taken a surprising effect. The poor Tories at Kinderhook are mortified and grieved, and are wheeling about, and begin to take the quick step. New York government begins to be alive in the glorious cause, and to act with great vigor. Some this way say that the King's troops will carry off
76
all the plate, merchandise and plunder of the town of Boston, to pay them for their ignominious expedition which, in my opinion would not be at all inconsistent with the shameful principles of those who have sent them on so inglorious an expedition.
I fervently pray, Sir, that our Council of War may be inspired with wis- dom from above, to direct the warlike enterprise with prudence, discretion and vigor. 0 may your councils and deliberations be under the guidance and blessing of Heaven. Since I began, an intelligible person, who left Ti- conderoga Saturday before last, informs me, that having went through there and Crown Point about three weeks ago, all were secure; but on his return, he found they were alarmed with our expedition, and would not admit him into the fort: that there were twelve soldiers at Crown Point, and he judged near two hundred atTiconderoga : that these forts are out of repair and much in ruins : that it was his own opinion our men would undoubtedly be able to take them ; and that he met our men last Thursday, who were well furnish- ed with cattle and wagons laden with provisions, and in good spirits, who he supposed would arrive there last Sabbath day, and he doubted not but this week they would be in possession of those forts. He informed them where they might obtain a plenty of ball, and there are cannon enough at Crown Point, which they cannot secure from us ; that he saw the old Sow from Cape Breton, and a number of good brass cannon at Ticonderoga. Should this expedition succeed, and should the Council of War send up their orders for the people this way to transport by land twenty or thirty of the best can- non to head quarters, I doubt not but the people in this country would do it with all expedition. We could easily collect a thousand yoke of cattle for the business.
Since I wrote the last paragraph, an express has arrived from Benedict Arnold, commander of the forces against Ticonderoga, for recruits : in con- sequence of which, orders are issued out for a detachment of eighteen men of each company in this regiment to march immediately, who will be on their way this day. I am. Sir, with great respect, your humble servant,
THOMAS ALLEN.
[General Pomeroy, to whom the above letters were addressed, appears to have been at Cambridge at their respective dates.]
NOTE E.
Members of the Congress of the United States from Pittsfield.
Simon Larned, from 1806 to 1807. George N. Briggs, from 1S31 to 1843. Ezekiel Bacon, " 1807 to 1813. Julius Rockwell, 1844. John W. Hurlbut, " 1815 to 1817.
77
Members of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, from Pittsfield.
John Brown, Feb. 1.'), I77'i. Charles Goodrich, March 22, 1770.
Members of the Se?iate of the State.
Timothy Childs, 1805 to 1809. Phinehas Alien, 1S19 to 1821. Jonathan Allen, 1822 and 23.
Samuel M. McKay, 1829. Thomas F. Pluukett, ISU and 42.
Members of the Governor's Council.
John C. Williams, 1S17-1S. Nathan Willis, 1821-5,6.
Joshua Danforth, 1827-8.
Representatives to the State Legislature.
Pittsfield first represented May 31, 1709, by
Capt Charles Goodrich. 1770,
Capt. Charles Goodrich 1771,
William Williams.
William Williams.
1773, Capt. Charles Goodrich.
1774, James Easton.
1775, Capt. Charles Goodrich, Israel Dickinson.
1776, Valentine Rathbun, Israel Dickinson.
1777, Valentine Rathbun, Josiah Wright, Eli Root.
1778, Gol. John Brown.
1779, Col. William Williams, James Noble.
1780, Capt. Charles Goodrich.
1781, Col. William Williams.
17S2, No one.
1783, No one.
1784, Dr. Timothy Chtlds.
1785,
Capt Charles Goodrich.
1786, Dr. Timothy Childs.
1787, Henry Van Skaack, Capt. David Bush.
1788, Capt. David Bush, Woodbridge Little.
1789, Woodbridge Little.
1790, Woodbridge Little.
1791, Simon Larned.
1792, Capt. Daniel Hubbard, Dr. Timotliy Childs.
1793, Capt. Daniel Hubbard, Dr. Timothy Childs.
1794, John C. Williams.
1795, John C. Williams.
1796, John C. Williams.
1797, John C. Williams.
1798, John C. Williams.
1799, Ashbel Strong.
1800, John C. Williams.
1801,
Joshua Danforth.
1802, Joshua Danforth.
1803, Joshua Danforth.
1804, Dr. Timothy Childs, Thomas Allen, Jun.
1805, Thomas Allen, Jun., Simeon Griswold.
1806, Joshua Danforth, Simeon Griswold.
1807, Simeon Griswold, John Churchill.
1808, Joshua Danforth, John Churchill, Joseph Shearer.
1809, Simeon Griswold, John Churchill, Joseph Shearer.
1810, John Churchill, Joseph Shearer, James Brown, Oren Goodrich.
1811, Timothy Childs, James Brown, Oren Goodrich, Horace Allen.
78
1812,
Timothy Childs, Oren Goodrich, Jonathan Allen, John B. Root.
1813, John B. Root, Caleb Wadhams, John Dickinson, Simeon Bromn.
1814, Timothy Childs, Simeon Griswold, John Churchill, Phinehas Allen.
1815, Oren Goodrich, John Dickinson, Phinehas Allen, Oliver Robbins.
1816, Jonathan Allen, Oliver Robbins, Joel Stevens, Henry H. Childs.
1817, Jonathan Allen.
1818, Phinehas Allen.
1819, Oren Goodrich.
1820, Jonathan Allen.
1821, Jonathan Allen, William C. Jarvis.
1822, William C. Jarvis.
1823, William C. Jarvis, Daniel B. Bush, Samuel M. McKay, Oren Goodrich.
1824, William C. Jarvis, Samuel M. McKay.
1825, Samuel M. McKay.
1826, Samuel M. McKay, Matthias R. Lanckton.
1827, Matthias R. Lanckton, Thomas B. Strong, Daniel B. Bush, Henry H. Childs.
1828, Thomas B. Strong, Daniel B. Bush, Samuel M. McKay, Daniel H. Francis.
1829, Thomas B. Strong.
1830, Daniel H. Francis, Jonathan Allen, Joseph Merrick, Hosea Merrill, Jun.
1831, Nathan Willis, Hosea Merrill, Jun., Jonathan Allen,2d, Josiah Stearns.
1832, Nathan Willis, Thomas B. Strong, Jonathan Allen, 2d., Josiah Stearns.
1833, Samuel M. McKay, Thomas Melville, John Churchill, Charles B. Francis.
1834, Samuel M. McKay, Julius Rockwell,
Robert Campbell, Charles B. Francis.
1835, Julius Rockwell, Robert Campbell, Matthias R. Lanckton, Jabez Peck, Daniel Stearns, Jun.,
1836, Julius Rockwell, Jabez Peck, Matthias R. Lanckton, Butler Goodrich, Jason Clapp.
1837, Julius Rockwell, Butler Goodrich, Jason Clapp, Henry Daniels, Amos Barnes.
1838, Amos Barnes, Henry Hubbard.
1839, George W. Campbell, Solomon L. Russell.
1840, Jabez Peck, James Francis, Comfort B. Piatt.
1841, James Francis, Comfort B. Piatt.
1842, Abel West.
1843, Ensign H. Kellogg, Griffin Chamberlain.
1844, Ensign H. Kellogg, Titus Goodman,
NOTE F.
Cemeteries — Mortality — Remarks on the general healthfulness of the place.
"In the midst of life we are in death," and though our great concern should be to have our souls prepared to go and dwell with God, yet provision should be made for the decent interment of the body, destined to lie in the dust until the resurrection. In the first warrant for calling a meeting of the proprietors of this township, after their incorporation in 1753, one article
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was, " to see if they could agree upon some suitable place or places for the burying of the dead." The ground first contemplated for this purpose, was probably that in the centre, back of the Congregational Church, which has been used by the English inhabitants as their principal cemetery, until recently. The first burial in town took place, and it is supposed here, in 1757 ; though the yard does not appear to have been cleared then, nor for many years afterwards ; for in Nov. 1769, the people voted *' to clear ground for a burying place." Some forty or fifty years since, a small grave yard was laid out in the west part of the town, and another in the extreme east. In 1834, a large lot of eight or ten acres, a little northeast of the central yard, was appropriated as a cemetery, and much of it has been sold in lots for the accommodation of families. Many recently dead have been buried in it, and many bodies have been removed to it from the old yard, (now forbidden to be used any more for the purposes of interment.) Numerous monuments already appear in it.
From 17.57 to May, 1808, a period of fifty-one years, the Rev. Mr. Allen, the first minister of the town, states in round numbers, that the burials in town were 1000, making nearly twenty a year on an average. The popula- tion of the town for a large portion of this period, is too imperfectly known to authorize from this statement any very definite calculations respecting the general healthfulness of the place. It is apparent, however, from this, that the town could not have been considered on the whole as sickly. On the other hand there are facts in abundance to show that the place is favorable to health and longevity, in common with the towns in the vicinity. Owing to the greater breadth of the Housatonic valley, and to the number of streams and ponds, it is true " the air is more humid than in some parts of Berkshire, and the quantity of dew is considerably greater." The humidity does not appear to affect essentially the health of residents. There are here no pecul- iar local causes of disease, and endemics have been less frequent than in some towns in the County.
Among the evidences that the town is healthy, one is the longevity to which a considerable number have attained. The Rev. Mr. Allen, before referred to, affirms that in 1808, there were twenty- two men then living, over 72 years of age. Before and since that time we find the following persons, among others, dying very aged : — David Bush, Aaron Baker, Simeon Crofoot and Timothy Cadwell, died aged fourscore ; John Baker and Oliver Root, aged So; Nathaniel Fairfield aged 87; William Francis aged 88; Jacob Ensign, Daniel Sacket and Benj. Keeler, aged 89; Zebadiah Stiles]died at 90; Mrs. Deming, wife of Solomon, at 92 ; and Charles Goodrich, Esq. at 90.
There have been years of unusual sickness and mortality here as in other places ; but they have not been very frequent. In June, 177.5, it is mentioned in a vote of the town, as a reason for requesting Dr. Timothy Childs to return home from the army, that it was very sickly : what the sickness was is not stated. That year, however, the deaths were only twenty-one. The only endemic here of importance, originating from a known cause, was a fever of the intermittent type, occasioned by a dam over the west branch of the Hou- satonic, causing the overflow of an extensive marsh back, beginning about
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1783, and continuing several years. By this, sickness was spread extensively in the town, and the mortality somewhat increased. In other years, when there has been the greatest mortality, some epidemic has prevailed more or less over this region of country. In 1808 and '9, the scarlet fever prevailed' and in the latter year there were forty-nine deaths, though in the former there were but twenty-four. In 1810, in the rage of the spotted fever, there were forty deaths, and in 1811, forty-one. In 1812 and 13, a disease prevailed, sometimes styled the " old epidemic," (pneumonia typhoides.) In the first year, however, there were only twenty-four deaths ; in the second, there were sixty-eight, (a very great mortality ; ) and the year following there were forty.
With the exception of these years, and some few others, the people have been blessed with general health. Most who have gone to the great congre- gation of the dead have gone in the ordinary course of Divine Providence.
[The subjoined statement is given, though not referred to in the text.]
Support of the Poor. The inhabitants of this place many years since were in the habit of sup- porting their paupers by employing persons to keep them, who were willing to keep them on the lowest terms, one, two, three or more in a family, as cir- cumstances rendered most convenient. Thus they were scattered in differ- ent parts of the town. From 1812 to 1832, they were kept together by the lowest bidder ; for the first ten or twelve years, for ij^llOO, and for the remain- der of the period, for about ^1350 a year. In 1831, a farm was purchased in the west part of the town, and every necessary was procured for the recep- tion of the poor by the 1st of May, 1832.
The farm (containing ninety acres,) cost $2323 50 " Stock, 315 52
" Farming utensils, 51 82
" Buildings and repairs, 592 26
" Furniture, 423 94
Total, #3707 04
The people were fortunate in the purchase of the farm, and in the selec- tion of an overseer, and the result is a great saving of expense to the town, while the poor are placed in circumstances of greater comfort, and are more contented and happy. The pastors of the churches visit and instruct them. Should the temperance reformation go on to its desired consummation, the number of paupers here as well as elsewhere, will be greatly diminished ; and as for those who are poor through Providence of God, nothing can be more reasonable, than that their more favored brethren should provide for their support. They ought to be furnished not only with subsistence, but with the means of grace, that through the blessing of God they may be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God has provided for them that love him.
Error— On p. 19, 18lh line from top, for seventy, read, about 75 or 80.